It’s normal to feel nervous if you have never been to a gynecologist before.
Discussing sensitive health topics with a doctor and having them examine your vagina can seem strange and even a bit scary. Remember that your healthcare provider performs these exams often and that your first appointment is the right step in beginning a lifetime of healthy habits.
What can I expect during my gynecologic exam?
What your first appointment looks like will depend on your age, your medical history and any health concerns you have.
For teens, the first visit may just be a talk with the doctor. In other cases, the doctor might conduct a physical exam. Even if they are not done at this appointment, knowing what will happen during these exams is good. Your first appointment is the time to ask your questions.
Check out our What are gynecology appointments? article for more information about scheduling your appointment and which healthcare provider can perform it.
Getting ready
There is no specific preparation for a gynecology appointment unless you are given instructions by your healthcare provider.
If you will be getting a Pap smear, try to be sure the appointment isn’t scheduled during your period, and it is best to avoid sexual intercourse in the 24 hours before the test. You should also avoid using products like douches or creams around your vaginal area in the 48 hours before the test.
Take care of your body the way you usually do, and wear comfortable clothes that you can easily change out of for exams. Some people experience spotting after certain tests, so you may want to prepare by bringing a pad or liner.
If you are feeling nervous, tell your doctor! They will understand and do their best to help keep you calm and talk you through the process. You can also ask someone you trust to come to the appointment or ask a nurse to be in the room with you if you do not want to be alone with the doctor.
Before the examination
Before your examination, you will be asked questions about your medical history, your family’s medical history, your menstrual cycles and if you are sexually active.
Other questions include if you might have an STI, a vaginal infection or any other reproductive health issue, it is important you let your doctor know so that they may talk with you and decide what tests need to be done.
Your healthcare provider may weigh and measure your height, take your blood pressure, and ask you to provide urine or blood samples.
You will then be given a hospital gown and asked to change into it. You will be given a private space to change.
Breast Exam
Once you have undressed and put on a gown, your healthcare provider may ask you if you wish to have a breast exam done to check for any lumps or cysts. Even though the risk for breast cancer is low in young people, your healthcare provider will offer to perform the exam to show you how to examine your breasts yourself.
It is optional, and you can always say no. These self-exams are another opportunity for you to learn more about your body and help you create healthy habits.
Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam is used to find possible signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), uterine fibroids or early-stage cancers. The pelvic exam also usually includes a Pap smear, used to screen for cervical cancer.
It is recommended that these tests start being conducted around the age of 21 for people who have a cervix and have ever been sexually active. Your doctor may suggest you get them done earlier, depending on any health concerns or your medical history.
There are usually three parts to a pelvic exam:
- The external exam, during which the doctor will look at the outside of your vagina.
- The speculum exam, during which an instrument is placed into your vagina and gently opened so that the doctor may see your vaginal canal and your cervix (the opening to your uterus). The doctor will then swab your cervix using a tiny brush to collect cells that will later be examined in a lab.
- The bimanual exam, during which the doctor will insert their gloved fingers into your vagina while using the other hand to apply pressure to the lower part of your belly, allowing them to feel your ovaries and uterus.
Although It is normal to feel mild discomfort, no part of this exam should be painful. Try taking slow and deep breaths to help relax your body. You can ask your doctor to talk you through what they are doing. It will be over quickly; the process usually takes around 5 minutes.
After the appointment
Your healthcare provider will contact you with any abnormal test results. If you don’t receive results within a few weeks, it should mean everything is clear. You can always call the office and ask for your results. Cancer Care Ontario will also send you your Pap test results by mail.
It is recommended that you get a pelvic exam and Pap test every three years. If your test results are abnormal, you must follow the recommendations of your healthcare practitioner.
No matter the results of your tests, remember that you can always book an earlier gynecologic appointment if any changes happen or you have health concerns that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider.
For more information
- What are gynecology appointments? – An article about how to schedule your first appointment.
- Cancer Care Ontario - The website for the Ontario government’s principal cancer advisor. It provides information on prevention, screening and treatment for different cancers, including breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer.
- Sex & U – A website developed by the Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists of Canada that provides accurate and up-to-date information and education on topics related to sexual and reproductive health.
- Planned Parenthood Toronto - A community health centre that provides various services for youth ages 13-29. Check out their website to see which reproductive health concerns they provide care for.