A Preparation Guide for Your First Gynaecologist Visit
Most women have their first gynaecological exam between ages 13 to 15, but many women wait until they’re sexually active before having their first visit to the gynaecologist. There are even some who would not go until they start experiencing a symptom that needs to be addressed only by a gynae. Remember that it’s always better to see a doctor sooner rather than later. So try finding one that you’re comfortable consulting with, and use these guidelines to prepare yourself for your very first trip to the gynaecologist.
Be Prepared to Answer Your Doctor’s Questions. It’s normal to feel nervous during your first gynaecologist appointment, but despite your anxiety it’s crucial that you still come prepared and able to provide all the information your doctor may require from you. First visits at Thomson gynaecologist doctors for females in Singapore usually include lots of talking, so expect that you’ll be asked questions about your health, your family’s medical history, your sex life and even your maternity plans. You might feel a bit uncomfortable answering such questions, but it’s important that you’re honest with your answers as this will greatly help your doctor in assessing your gynaecological health.
1. Schedule Your Appointment Before or After Your Period. As much as possible, avoid scheduling your gynae appointment during your period as it can interfere with the tests that your doctor will ask you to take. Plus, the bleeding might make it difficult for your doctor to see anything during the physical examination, forcing you to reschedule your appointment.
2. Create a List of Your Own Questions. One good way to prepare for your first gynaecologist appointment is to create a list of all the questions you’re curious or worried about. Your questions can include issues related to your menstruation, bleeding after intercourse, unpleasant vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, heavier or lighter period flow, pelvic pain or any other related symptoms. Don’t be nervous or embarrassed in asking questions related to these things. Trust us, your Singapore gynaecologist already heard all those questions before.
3. Provide Basic Information About Your Gynaecological Health. Before your exam, the nurse or the doctor herself might ask you some basic questions that are usually recorded in a file. Your answers will be used to provide an information baseline that can be helpful for your future visits. Some of the questions that the doctor might ask you includes the following:
• When did you have your last period?
• Are your menstrual cycles regular?
• Do you experience any pain during your period? If so, how would you describe that pain?
• Do you feel any pain after having a sexual intercourse?
• Are you suffering from genital itching, discharge, or pain?
• Do you have other medical issues?
• Do you have a history of certain medical conditions in your family?
• Do you use a specific birth control method?
• Are you planning on having a baby?
• Do have more than one sexual partner?
• What method(s) are you using to prevent sexually transmitted diseases?
4. Openly Discuss Your Medical History. Apart from those questions, your gynaecologist will also ask things that has something to do with your medical history. This will include questions whether you’ve been admitted to a hospital before, have had any surgery in the past, experienced miscarriages, whether or not you smoke, whether or not you have problems holding in your urine, and the number of children you currently have. Your doctor might also ask you questions about the contraceptive you’re currently using, and ask if you’re satisfied with it or if it has any side effects on you.
5. Get Ready to Undress. In a gynaecology exam, it’s advised that you wear clothes that you can remove easily so that your doctor can easily proceed with the examination. A drape sheet and a hospital gown is usually provided so that you can cover up yourself while the exam is being carried out. You will then be asked to lie down on the bed as the examination begins. If it makes you more comfortable during the examination, ask to have your friend or relative in the room with you.
6. Let Your Gynae Perform a Breast Examination. The first test that your gynae in Thomson Medical will likely do is breast examination. This will help you identify irregularities, such as lumps, in your breasts. Your doctor will use her hand to palpate your breasts one at a time, making it a good opportunity for you to learn how to perform self-breast examination.
7. Know What You’ll Expect during the Pelvic Examination. During your pelvic exam, you’ll be asked to place your heels in a metal stirrup. You’ll then be asked to move your hips on the edge of the couch so that your Singapore doctor will get a good angle for the pelvic exam. Relax your abdominal and vaginal muscles to make the exam more comfortable for you. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you have questions about what they’re currently doing.
8. Understand That a Little Bleeding is Normal. It’s possible that you’ll experience a little spotting or bleeding once the examination is done. The bleeding or bruising may have been caused by the different instruments that were inserted to your genitals during the examination. Therefore, it’s advisable to bring a panty liner or a pad during your exam to keep the blood from staining your clothes.
9. Ask Further Questions. Once the physical exam is done, your doctor will already ask you to change back to your own clothes. During this point, feel free to ask additional questions that you might have. Your doctor will also ask you to set up another appointment to talk about the results of your tests. Your doctor will definitely be more than happy to explain your test results and answer questions that concerns you the most.
Your first trip to the gynaecologist can be a bit nerve-wracking, but by ensuring that you’re well prepared for your exam will definitely help in easing your anxiety. So just keep the aforementioned guidelines in mind, and make the most out of your visit to your gynaecologist.
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