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No Pain, All Gain: My First Trip to the Gyno
By Andrea Lee, 17, SEX, ETC.
Back in January, we examined why guys need to get serious about their sexual health care and get routine sexual health checkups from a doctor or health care provider. And guess what? It's not just a guy thing. Sexual health checkups are just as important for girls. In fact, girls need to go to the gynecologist once a year as soon as they turn 18 or become sexually active, whichever comes first.
I know-going to the gynecologist is usually not a top priority for girls, but it is one of the most vital things you can do to take care of your body. At your yearly gynecological visit, you will likely have a pelvic exam, which checks the internal reproductive organs and external genitals for any abnormalities. And you will get a Pap test, which examines cells from the cervix to determine if there are any infections or signs of cancer. The pelvic exam and Pap test can surface health issues that - left untreated - can create problems like infertility or diseases, like cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Visiting a health care provider and getting the treatment you need will help you stay healthy now and in the future.
Young women go to a health care provider for a gynecological visit for other reasons, too. They go if they're having discomfort during menstruation or intercourse, or if they detect any changes in their breasts or vaginal area. They also go to learn about birth control, including emergency contraception, and get tested for pregnancy. They go just to talk to the gynecologist or nurse about any sexual issue, too.
I went because of a yeast infection that was hard to treat. My pediatrician suggested I go to a gynecologist for an examination. I wasn't too scared; I thought it was about time I got rid of the infection.
Making the Date
My pediatrician gave me the name of a gynecologist at a public health clinic. Because of my health plan, I needed a referral to see this gynecologist. Usually, this isn't the case, and you can see a gyno without a referral.
My mom made my appointment, but you can make your own by calling a health clinic or a recommended gynecologist. They may ask about your referring doctor, health plan, and reasons for making the appointment.
If you're under 18 and want to see a gynecologist, you don't need your parent's permission. You should always call the clinic or doctor's office first, though, and ask them about their confidentiality policy.
My visit to the gyno was set for April 16th. As the date got closer, I got more nervous. I'd only heard not-so-great things about going to the gyno, and I felt I ought to be scared. But I wasn't. Once the day came, I didn't feel all that "prepared," but I knew I had to go.
To ease any anxiety that may come with going for a gynecological visit, it is helpful if you prepare a few questions. That way, when you finally get there and talk with your health care provider, you don't leave anything out. Any questions are fine, but here are a few commonly asked ones:
- How often should I come here after my first visit?
- (If you are sexually active, or considering it) What might be the best birth control method for me?
- Which STDs should I be tested for?
- How should I protect myself from STDs?
- My period is pretty irregular, is this a problem?
At the exam, there are no embarrassing questions. If you have any concerns, the health care provider is there to help you and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
The Arrival
Once I got to the clinic, I checked in at the front desk. The clinic looked inviting. Seeing other people my age made me less nervous.
Since I was with my mom, they gave her the forms to fill out. Most questions asked for basic information about insurance and phone numbers. Then they took me in right away, while my mom waited in the waiting room.
First, the nurse checked my weight and height. I also had to give a urine sample. Next, I went into the office of the gynecologist who was going to perform the exam. She asked if I had any family health issues and whether I was sexually active. Though I am not having sex, she said that I could come back if I wanted to discuss birth control options.
The meeting was a chance for me to ask questions. But I wanted to start the exam, so I saved my questions for later.
The doctor took me into the exam room, which had a well-lit, clean, and comforting atmosphere. There is usually a doctor and a nurse in the room during the process. I had a female doctor, but if you get a male health care provider and you feel uncomfortable, you can request that a female provider join you.
The Exam
The doctor gave me a cloth robe. I only had to remove the bottom half of my clothing. She gave me a "rundown" of exactly what she was doing as she did it. She told me to relax and take deep breaths.
She started by using a device called a speculum. This is a plastic or metal instrument that's used to hold open the vaginal walls during a pelvic exam. Health care providers usually choose the size of the speculum depending on your body size and level of sexual activity. Since I am small and not sexually active, she used a small speculum. Though it hurt a little, it was only in for less than two minutes.
During a pelvic exam, the health care provider examines you for anything unusual (like inflammation or discharge). She also gives you a series of tests, including the Pap test. With this test, the doctor collects samples of cells on the cervix that are then sent to a lab and tested for "abnormal" cells that could suggest cervical cancer, infection, or hormonal conditions.
Luckily, I couldn't feel any of these tests. The only uncomfortable part was the speculum.
Next, she used her fingers to examine my internal reproductive organs. She was checking to make sure there wasn't anything abnormal, like a cyst or lump. This was uncomfortable, too, but not very painful and over fairly quickly.
After the pelvic exam, I received a breast exam. As she was doing it, she reviewed ways to do one at home. No pain, all gain. Then I was done.
Trip Over
I survived, and it really wasn't too bad. The last thing I had to do was go back into her office and ask final questions. I asked how long it would take for the Pap test results to come back and how often I should get these exams done. She said that I'd probably know the results in less than three weeks. She also said females who are 18 and older or having sex should get exams at least once a year.
With a sigh of relief, I must conclude that going to the gynecologist was worth it. As for my yeast infection, the doctor prescribed medication and it cleared up in a few days.
Editors' Note: To make an appointment for a gynecological exam, ask your regular health care provider, family, or friends for a recommendation. Or look in the yellow pages under "clinics" or "family planning," or call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or find a health center near you here.
Andrea Lee, 17, of Montclair, NJ, is an editor for SEX, ETC., the national newsletter and Web site written by teens, for teens, on sexual health issues, published by the Network for Family Life Education at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
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