4 Tips on How to Prepare for Your First Gynaecological Check-Up

 

The woman’s reproductive system is quite complicated and requires regular medical attention. However, many women tend to postpone gynaecological examinations until the symptoms become unbearable. As a result, such women can develop severe complications that may significantly affect their fertility and even lead to lethal outcomes.

You should understand that there is nothing scary or painful in the first pelvic exam. There is no need to avoid it even if you don’t have any symptoms. It is important to know that many diseases and infections may cause minor symptoms or even develop asymptomatically. This can mean that you may not know that your reproductive system is affected and requires treatment.

Even if you are not yet sexually active, you should see your gynaecologist at least once a year. The doctor can monitor your reproductive health and recognize diseases on the early stages. In order to help you avoid stress, er gathered these four tips on how to prepare to the first gynaecological check-up.

1. Choose the proper time

If you are going to visit a gynaecologist, it is essential to choose the proper time. It means that you shouldn’t visit the gynaecologist during your periods unless it is only a consultation. During periods, it is much harder for a doctor to perform a pelvic exam. Moreover, you can’t undergo additional testing since the result could be incorrect due to the blood. 

Make an appointment with the gynaecologist and be sure to be in the clinic on time. You should understand that if you will be late, the doctor may not be able to examine you since he or she may have other patients. 

2. Make a list of your symptoms

If you have never visited the gynaecologist before, you may simply get nervous and even forget the purpose of your appointment. In order to avoid this, it is better to write down all the symptoms that disturb you. You can also make a note on your cellphone. If you will forget the shit of paper with your complaints at home, the cellphone will most likely be in your pocket or bag.

It is extremely important to be honest with your doctor and not miss any symptoms. You should understand that the gynaecologist will never judge you because of sexually transmitted diseases or other conditions. His or her aim is to keep you healthy. 

3. Be aware of your family history of gynaecological diseases

There are a lot of gynaecological conditions and other disorders that can be hereditary. That’s why it is important to ask your close relatives about family history of gynaecological diseases. This may help your doctor diagnose you if there would be some issues related to your condition. 

Moreover, you should know that women who already have had cancer are more prone to develop other types of cancer again. If you had cancer, you should also inform your doctor about it. Your gynaecologist may advise you to perform Pap tests and other examinations more often due to the history of your diseases. 

4. Maintain intimate hygiene

When you are going to visit a gynaecologist, it is better to take a shower a few hours before the check-up. It is not worth to wash right before the examination because you may remove abnormal vaginal discharge and other signs of certain conditions.

Some people think that it is necessary to shave your pubic hair before the pelvic exam. However, it all depends on your personal attitude to shaving. You should understand that the gynaecologist will not pay much attention to your pubic hair unless you have pubic lice or other skin issues. 

 

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