Discussing sensitive gynecological concerns and having a medical expert examine your reproductive organs can be challenging on your first appointment. However, with the Decatur OBGYN team, your experience might be different. The women-health specialists’ team offers their patients quality gynecological care in a comfortable and friendly environment, helping them calm their anxieties. While your initial visit might look like a chit-chat session, your consecutive appointments might involve more.
How should you prepare for your gynecology appointment?
There are various recommendations your gynecologist may suggest before your appointment. For instance, the healthcare provider may advise you not to have sex or douche for approximately 24 hours before your visit as the activities may irritate your vagina, affecting your Pap test results.
However, you should know what to expect from the session before your consultation since not all gynecological appointments require tests. Visits like your first appointment may not involve any tests. The session is more of stabling a relationship with the medical expert, putting yourself up for a comfortable relationship in your future appointments. Additionally, you may not need any tests when you want to discuss your irregular period or contraception options with your doctor.
What happens during the appointment?
Like any medical appointment, your gynecological visit will most likely start with checking your blood pressure and weight. The medical expert may review your medical history, take an in-depth history of your medical issues (if you have any), surgical history, current medications (if you are taking any drugs), and lifestyle habits.
Though blood and urine samples may not be necessary, your doctor may request the samples in some instances. If the medical expert needs to take a physical exam, she may ask you to change into a free gown. The healthcare provider may assess your internal reproductive organs, cervix, and vagina during your examination for any abnormalities. The medical professional may also check your breasts for lumps or other abnormalities and request an STI test if you are sexually active.
Why should you go for gynecology care?
Though you should visit your gynecologist annually for screening, your doctor may also advise you to consult her anytime you have gynecological worries like abnormal bleeding or vaginal pain. Conditions your gynecologist can help you manage include:
· Fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy
· Menopause
· Family planning
· Premalignant conditions like cervical dysplasia
· Reproductive tract benign conditions like ovarian cysts
· Reproductive tract congenital abnormalities
· Chronic conditions affecting your reproductive system
· Sexual dysfunction
· Urinary incontinence
· Gynecological emergencies
At what age should you start going for gynecology care?
While most women find it appropriate to contact a gynecologist during their later reproduction years, you should have your first gynecological appointment at around 13-15 years of age. Having a solid relationship with your gynecologist from a young age makes you feel comfortable asking the seemingly hard questions about your sexuality. As a result, the relationship gives you a contact point when you start experiencing familiar symptoms in the future. Additionally, the long-term relationship helps your doctor track your welfare and guide you through healthy lifestyle issues.
Feeling intimidated on your first gynecological visit is a usual expectation. However, the visit might help open your eyes to various health concerns you may have little knowledge about. Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to start your journey to enhanced reproductive health.
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