Health & Support

I am 20 and going to my first gynecologist appt. in a few weeks.  I am veerrryy nervous becuase I don't really know what to expect.  If my periods are irregular will they be able to put me on birth control?  Also, do they take a urine sample, and will drugs show up in the urine sample or are they not able to test for them?  I also have trouble sleeping every night, should I let her know?  Ahhh Im just nervous and if anyone can answer any of the questions please do!

Usually, when it comes to medical matters, honesty is the best policy. If a doctor only has half the story or you lie to them they can't diagnose or treat you properly.  Patient confidentiality has to be respected at all times so whatever you tell them (including if you take drugs) will go no further.  Urine samples are usually only required to test for kidney function and things like diabetes.   Gynaecologists are more concerned, normally, with the health of your reproductive system.... smear tests etc.   If you wish to go on birth control you can ask for that, regardless of the regularity of your periods.

They are not testing for drugs but do not list any use on any forms or papers-- those are submitted to your insurance company.

They will sometimes do a urine test, they look for UTIs and such-- some practices it is standard to do a dip, others, only if you are having issues.

Many women in the States use their ob/gyn as their primary dr-- so feel free to talk to her about any issues you are having.  I find my gyn's are better at listening and paying attention to the issues that I might be having-- if they have time that is!  If your periods are irregular and that bothers you and you WANT to have bc, then ask for it, and she may recommend it.  She will probably offer std testing as well-- take it.  If you are having long term issues sleeping, bring it up, but be sure to be able to back yourself up so you dont look drug seeking.

Also know that many offices ask you to undress completely-- I always ask if I can leave my shirt on (and wear a long shirt that day), it makes me more comfortable.  They usually say yes as long as you loosen or remove your bra for the breast exam.  For the rest of it, just take deep breathes and focus on something in the room other than whatever might make you nervous.

You will do fine!  The anticipation is much worse than the actual exam.  Making lists might help you remember to talk to the dr about certain things.

Good luck!

Try not to worry, all your nervous thoughts are far worse than the appointment will be.  It is embarrasing if this is the first time that you have been examined in this way but it's easy, you don't have to do anything except sit / lie there.

It might be slightly different here in the Uk but when I go it always follows the same structure;  There is a doctor and a nurse in the room, one is always female, both can be if you ask.  Behind a curtain you get undressed from the waist down and lie down on a bed underneath a paper blanket.  When the doctor and nurse re-enter you bring your heels to your butt and relax and drop your knees apart to each side.

A device (I won't describe it because it sounds horrid but it's not really) is inserted into your vagina to hold it open (asking them to warm it a bit first means that it;s not such a shock), then they aim a lamp between your legs (the most embarrasing bit in my opinion) and take a swab or 2 (completely painless).

Then they take out the device, in the Uk they check your womb positioning by inserting 2 fingers and pressing gently on your ab area, this is a little uncomfortable but again - painless.

The breast exam I think some people find more embarrasing because you can see whats going on, but don't worry.

If you are sexually active then you shouldn't find any of the exams too bad and always make sure you check your own breasts on a regular basis anyway.

Your dr. sees these things all day, every day. You're going to a professional and he/she may not see it the same way that we do. Sure, they understand that the exam can be uncomfortable. It seems like every gyno I've been to has always told me what was going on...such as "Ok, now I'm going to do the smear"

And as stated before, tell your gyno everything that is going on. I would write down your questions and concerns so that you don't forget anything. Since it's your first time, you should probably get some additional tests such as the STD and an HPV test. I don't believe it requires much more on your part..maybe an extra smear and a pee test.

Hang in there...just lie there and focus on your breathing while it's all going on.

first off I just want to wish you good luck! Im going in about a week and a half and I seriously dred going. I have to go by myself b.c my b'f has to work. Like everyone said you can go on b.c. if you want to if you think that is what will help w. you period. I wouldnt list the drugs on your form. Maybe speak with the doctor and try to figure out why you having trouble sleeping. It may be best if you got a referal to a sleep clinic. I usually go to planned parenthood and they do not require a pee test. Its offered only if its requested by the patient. Its really not so bad, you just need to keep yourself calm and let your mind wander when the doctor is doing the smear.

First of all congratulations for being brave. Many people don't go to the doctor out of fear and getting a regular check-up is an important part of a woman's overall health. Especially if you are or are considering becomming sexually active.

Your doctor is going to be fairly experienced and will likely do his/her best to put you at ease, explain what he/she is going to do and make sure that your visit is as comfortable as possible. You've stated lots of questions in your post and I suggest you listen to "trendstudent" and write down your questions as well as any irregularities you may be having BEFORE your visit so that you can be sure to discuss them with the doctor. You mentioned trouble sleeping, for example. It will help your doctor to know when this started, if it is constant or goes in waves, if it can be correlated to stress or another condition, etc. Same thing with your periods. Have they always been irregular or did they change at some point. How many days do you bleed; do you have cramping; etc. These are all things the doctor will want to know.

Finally, remember that although you are nervous it is really not a big deal and you're going to be just fine.

Good luck!

Hi Court-

Good for you for having the courage to ask!!  First of all, I can assure you, they are not testing for drugs in your urine, but what I urge you to do is to be COMPLETELY honest with your ob/gyn because it's the best way for her to figure out your health/birth control needs.  My ob/gyn knows I have dabbled with certain drugs when I was younger, and she never condemned me (or turned me in) for it.  It's just better for them to know everything that's going thru your system.

Also, I agree with trendstudent, my gyno always tells me what she's going to do before she does it.  Since it's your first time, you may want to tell your gyno that it'd make you more comfortable if she did the same.

And I agree, get tests for all STDs, including HIV, because it's safer to know than not know.  You'll be fine, it doesn't hurt (just slightly uncomfortable at times) and congrats on being a healthy woman!!

No one gave me a urine test for mine.

It was just weird and uncomfortable. For me, it did hurt some, but I heard it doesn't for most women, and it's not like it was unbearable or anything.  So don't worry about that part.

If you have a male gynecologist, don't be afraid to ask for a female nurse to stay in the room during the exam, if it will make you more comfortable.  They're required to give you one if you ask. :)

It'll be over before you know it, don't worry.

Thanks everyone!  You made me feel a lot better about going but I'm still pretty nervous