How to properly prepare for an appointment with a gynecologist. Preparing for a gynecological examination
A systematic visit to the doctor will help to identify the pathology in time and prescribe the correct treatment, but many women ignore visiting a gynecologist, despite the fact that a routine examination should be carried out at least once a year. If a woman is ready to go to a scheduled appointment with a gynecologist, she should prepare for the visit and take everything she needs with her.
How to prepare for an examination with a gynecologist
Many women are concerned about several questions: what is needed to see a gynecologist, is it possible to go to the doctor during menstrual periods, is it possible to have sex before seeing a gynecologist, is it necessary to visit the sanitary room before entering the office? First of all, you need to prepare yourself psychologically, namely, be ready to talk about yourself, about your complaints and the reason for your visit to the appointment, your sex life, about allergic reactions and gynecological diseases, and only then carry out full preparation before the appointment. To do this you should:
- Carry out hygienic procedures for the intimate area, except for douching, and you should not wash your face before a direct appointment with a gynecologist;
- You can visit a doctor only after the critical days have passed completely, preferably on the second or third day after the end, since during menstruation it is impossible to take the necessary tests;
- A few days before the appointment, you need to refrain from intimacy with your partner, because the results of the examination can be affected not only by the partner’s seminal fluid, but also by the artificial lubricant from the condom;
- Before entering the doctor's office, you should visit the sanitary room to empty your bladder, only in some cases the doctor notifies the patient in advance so that she does not go to the toilet two to three hours before the appointment;
- Girls who have never been sexually active should undergo a medical cleansing procedure of the rectum using an enema, but if the gynecologist knows that he is a virgin, the doctor will only need to examine the patient visually and take the necessary tests;
A few weeks before visiting the doctor, you need to limit the intake of medications, especially those that affect a woman’s hormonal levels. Even if a girl is sure of candidal disease, only a doctor can determine it, and the pill that the patient took can harm not only the research results, but also cause some damage to the body, for example, shifting the menstrual cycle.
During the appointment, the patient should, without hesitation, ask the doctor all the important questions, and he, in turn, will be able to answer in detail the topics that interest the girl.
Do not be alarmed if, after an examination, the gynecologist decides to check a woman’s mammary glands, because this is considered one of the components of the examination. If the patient does not have the skills to independently examine the breast area, then she can and should not hesitate to ask the doctor to teach her this skill.
Necessary supplies for visiting a gynecologist
The list of necessary supplies depends on which clinic the patient is going to for an appointment. Private clinics are equipped with everything you need. An appointment with a doctor at a private medical center requires you to take with you only identification documents, but if a visit to a doctor is planned at a public antenatal clinic, then you should take with you the necessary equipment for the examination. Not every clinic is able to equip the patient with everything she needs, because young girls, young women, and women in “interesting situations” need completely different equipment for examination. Before making an appointment with a gynecologist, you should ask the receptionist what can be purchased at the pharmacy at the clinic, and what can be paid for directly on the spot.
If it’s the doctor’s first visit, then every patient has a worrying question: what should she take with her? What will be useful during an examination with a gynecologist?
What to bring to your appointment
To visit a gynecologist at a state antenatal clinic, you need to bring with you:
- Diaper - will serve as a bedding for a specialized chair; instead, you can take a sheet or towel;
- Disposable gynecological set - this set is equipped with disposable antiseptic and antibacterial gloves, a disposable gynecological vaginal speculum, an antiseptic wipe, a gynecological spatula;
- Socks or shoe covers - despite well-groomed feet and a beautiful manicure, the patient will have to hide her feet for hygienic purposes;
- A special attachment - a condom - is required for ultrasound diagnostics when examining the pelvic organs, as well as when examining a pregnant woman in the early stages;
- Calendar of critical days if the menstrual cycle is not entirely regular;
- Identification documents, as well as medical documents with records of examinations completed, extracts from other medical institutions. The gynecologist needs this in order to more accurately make a diagnosis in a short time, as well as adjust treatment if any disease is detected.
You can make an appointment with a gynecologist right now by filling out the form on the website or by calling the phone number listed above.
Even if your health does not raise any questions, this is not a reason to cancel a scheduled appointment with a gynecologist. After all, if there are complaints, it means the appointment is late! What is worth remembering before going to the gynecologist or how to prepare for a trip?
“I don’t have time anymore, I’ll be patient”
“I’ll go to the toilet after the appointment” is a very serious misconception and definitely shouldn’t be tolerated. On the one hand, a full bladder complicates the process of palpation, so it is better to come to the clinic in advance to go to the toilet. But, on the other hand, for some tests it is recommended not to urinate for 2-3 hours so as not to remove bacteria. The gynecologist will definitely raise this question himself.
Why stop taking medications?
Even if the symptoms indicate that the cause of concern is ordinary thrush, we advise you to first consult a gynecologist and only then take certain medications. Antifungal drugs and antibiotics greatly affect the vaginal microflora - the smear result may be false.
Also, 2-3 weeks before your visit to the gynecologist, it is better to stop taking medications to enhance immunity and hormonal drugs. You should not take a break from medications if they are prescribed for continuous use for chronic diseases.
Many women perceive a visit to the gynecologist as a very unpleasant procedure and postpone the meeting with the doctor. But you still need to go. After all, a gynecological examination is the first step to solving your intimate problems, an opportunity to avoid serious complications and promptly detect hidden health hazards. How to prepare for an examination by a gynecologist so that the conversation with the doctor and the examination in the chair are as comfortable as possible for you?
How to choose the best time to visit a gynecologist?
If there are no complaints, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist once every six months. The optimal time for a gynecological examination is the first days after the end of your period.
If you have signs of a problem with women's health (discharge, itching, unpleasant odor from the vagina, menstrual irregularities, pain in the pelvic area), visit a doctor as soon as possible. An examination by a gynecologist can be carried out during menstruation in urgent cases - severe pain or heavy bleeding.
How to prepare for a gynecological examination?
Before visiting the gynecologist, empty your bladder and bowels. This will relieve you of pain and make the doctor's job easier when he manually examines the internal organs through the skin.
Before going to the doctor, take a shower and put on fresh underwear. Wash yourself without making special efforts. There is no need to douche and use deodorized products, as all this will spoil the real picture of the microflora of your vagina, and the smear will be uninformative.
Refrain from sexual intercourse for three days before visiting a gynecologist, as the remains of your partner’s seminal fluid will give unreliable test results. You should also not drink alcohol the day before visiting the doctor.
Visit to the gynecologist: conversation with the doctor
A conversation with a doctor is the first stage of an examination by a gynecologist. The doctor will ask the reason for your visit: whether you came to him for prevention or with a specific complaint. He will ask you to tell us the following about yourself:
- Do you have any complaints about genitourinary dysfunction - rashes, discharge, pain in the genital area, discomfort during urination or sex.
- Information about menstruation - at what age did menstruation begin, whether it was, the duration and abundance of menstruation, the presence of PMS symptoms. Tell your doctor the date of your last menstrual period.
- Information about reproductive function - have you had any pregnancies (childbirth, abortions, miscarriages), complications during pregnancy. The doctor will ask about your plans to have children.
- Data on sexual life. The doctor will ask about the presence of a sexual partner, whether he has been examined for sexually transmitted infections, and about the methods of contraception used.
- Gynecological diseases. The doctor will ask when your last visit to the gynecologist was and what conclusion the doctor gave. Inquire about past illnesses and surgeries.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies and if you are currently taking any medications.
The doctor will record the information received from you in your medical history. This information is confidential. The doctor will keep everything he hears from you confidential.
How is a gynecological examination performed?
After talking with you, the doctor will proceed directly to the gynecological examination. Before the examination on the chair, the gynecologist will examine the skin and. A gynecological examination on a chair includes two stages - examination in mirrors and bimanual (examination with two hands). At the first stage, the doctor, if necessary, takes smears. If indicated, he can perform video colposcopy (examination of the vagina and cervix using a special microscope). This procedure is painless. A bimanual examination involves the doctor palpating the uterus and appendages with both hands.
Additionally, you may be referred for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
After the examination, the gynecologist should provide you with information about the results of the examination, explain what tests were done, which ones still need to be taken, and why.
Based on the results of the examination (questioning, examination, test results and ultrasound), the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
A timely visit to the gynecologist and following the doctor’s recommendations will help you maintain women’s health.
Elena Kukuevitskaya
To be confident in your women's health, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist once every six months. But not all women adhere to such a schedule. They usually run for help when they already have any symptoms.
In this article we will talk about timing of visiting a gynecologist with and without need. We will also discuss when virgins, women after natural childbirth or cesarean section should go to this doctor.
Why go to a gynecologist?
A gynecologist can be called the chief doctor of women's health. But many representatives of the fair half of humanity do not visit him so often, believing that there is no need to go to him without a reason. The opinion is erroneous, since you need to go to a gynecologist if:
- noticed the presence heavy, unnatural discharge with an unpleasant odor;
- appeared itching and burning in the perineum, during lovemaking, urination, in a calm state;
- are planning to conceive a child;
- there is a menstrual cycle disorder;
- there is a delay;
- decided to use some methods of contraception, before which consultation with a doctor is necessary;
- present frequent change of sexual partner, since such a lifestyle significantly increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS;
- pregnant;
- There is gynecological diseases(for treatment and prevention).
The main answer to the question why go to a gynecologist is: to maintain normal women's health. Indeed, at first, many gynecological diseases are asymptomatic and do not bother you. Neglecting checks can lead to erosion, cysts and other problems that could have been avoided by visiting a gynecologist on time.
When is the best time to go to the gynecologist after menstruation?
Gynecologists agree that the most “clear picture” is observed during examination on days 7–15 of the menstrual cycle. Since this phase is characterized by the active production of estradiol, which is reproduced after the formation of a dominant follicle during the growth of the egg. During this period, the hormonal system in women works at full strength, and in case of any deviations from the norm, it is easier to identify the causes of organ failure. Having made some simple calculations, we get that You need to visit a female doctor 4–8 days after your period.
When should you go to see a gynecologist after a delay?
If the cause of the delay is pregnancy, then most likely the period is only 4-5 weeks. At this stage, the gynecologist will not be able to confirm the presence of a fertilized egg, but Ultrasound and blood test for hCG will be more informative. Waiting until 12 weeks is also not recommended, as there is a risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy.
The optimal time to visit a gynecologist can be called 2–3 weeks after the date of the missed period. It is also recommended to take a pregnancy test. Its positive result allows you to wait some more time before going to the gynecologist, but if the test is negative and there is a delay, then do not put off going to the doctor. One line on the test when menstruation is delayed may indicate the development of gynecological diseases.
When should you go to the gynecologist for an examination after a positive test?
So, two lines on the test after a delay indicate the presence of pregnancy. There is no need to go to the doctor right away. This is due to the undesirable examination on the chair, since in some cases such intervention in the early stages can lead to termination of pregnancy. This happens very rarely in predisposed women, but it is better not to risk it and wait a few more weeks.
It is considered normal to go to the gynecologist period of 9–12 weeks, but if there have been cases of ectopic pregnancy in your family, then it is better to check with an ultrasound. Such a study will confirm the presence of a fertilized egg in the uterus and dispel the fear of a possible ectopic pregnancy.
How long after giving birth should you go to the gynecologist?
In case of natural delivery without complications, a visit to the gynecologist is scheduled through eight weeks after the baby is born. Even if the lochia has not stopped yet, you should not postpone the visit. In cases where stitches were placed or any additional manipulations were performed during the birth process, the doctor schedules a visit for 2-3 weeks after birth. Further inspection trips are arranged on an individual basis.
When should you go to the gynecologist after a caesarean section?
In cases where the child was born through cesarean section, the timing of visiting the gynecologist is different if this happened naturally. A woman in labor can move independently after a cesarean section after 6–12 hours. But you must come for a routine examination, if there are no accompanying complaints about the healing of sutures. a month later. The doctor will check how the scarring of the uterine cavity is progressing and examine the genital organs.
The timing may be different, since cases are individual. Some undergo a second Caesarean, while others have problems with internal or external sutures. Therefore, the gynecologist sets a date for the next visit for each woman in labor upon discharge from the maternity hospital.
Is it possible to go to the gynecologist during menstruation?
If you look at the issue of going to the gynecologist during menstruation from an ethical point of view, then it is better to postpone the scheduled examination for “clean” days. It’s another matter if menstruation is necessary as a physiological component required for manipulation. So, a visit to a female doctor during menstruation is prescribed:
- at installation of an intrauterine device. The second day of menstruation is considered a favorable day for attaching the IUD. In this phase, the cervix opens slightly, which is necessary for the introduction of a foreign body. Also, the uterus itself reacts less painfully to the spiral, since its cells are regenerated.
- if a woman undergoing IVF program, where a short protocol requires an internal vaginal ultrasound on the second day of menstruation.
In addition to direct prescriptions, you should get checked during your period if you have the following symptoms:
- weakness and dizziness, this may indicate the onset of bleeding;
- the discharge has an unpleasant (smelly) odor, has changed its color and composition (comes out in pieces);
- the appearance of severe itching accompanied by rashes. This is how herpes or a fungus may manifest itself, the treatment of which should not wait until the end of your period;
- The discharge does not stop after the end of menstruation.
At what age do virgins go to the gynecologist for the first time?
Every accomplished woman probably remembers her first appointment with a gynecologist. How embarrassing and scary it was, and even this chair... But that’s not about that now. A girl, even if she is a virgin, needs to visit a gynecologist at the age of 14–15 for the first time. This is necessary not only to prevent the development of gynecological diseases, but also to control normal sexual development (maturation).
It is not necessary to go to the clinic to see a regular gynecologist. The first visit to a gynecologist before the age of 16 can be made together with the mother to a pediatric gynecologist. This doctor is more tactful with still young patients and the girl will not be afraid to visit the gynecological office in the future, since the first experience of visiting a doctor will leave a normal impression.
Is it necessary for a virgin to go to a gynecologist?
There is a misconception that virgins have nothing to do in the gynecologist's office. This opinion, unfortunately, has led more than one young lady to serious gynecological diseases in severe form. As already noted, the first examination by a gynecologist is recommended at 14–15 years of age. It is at this age that it is possible to correct all kinds of anomalies in the development of the reproductive system of girls. There are cases when virgins seek counseling for the first time at the age of 19–20, hoping for their “purity,” but the moment is already lost.
For example, if the uterus is underdeveloped at 14 years old, the organ can be stimulated with hormones and “grow” it to the required size, and at 19 years old such therapy will give a 50/50 chance of cure and a young virgin may remain infertile.
That's why A visit to a gynecologist is also necessary for virgins. If the fear is caused by the procedure itself, then it does not hurt, and the doctor takes a smear and examines the vagina without damaging the hymen.
I'm afraid to go to the gynecologist: what should I do if I'm embarrassed and scared to go to the gynecologist?
The main task of a gynecologist is to examine for diseases. In their presence, find out, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Almost no woman is excited about going to a gynecologist. Some are afraid of the chair, others are afraid of the introduction of instruments. There are also those who are afraid to hear a terrible diagnosis, and therefore do not go to the appointment. But we should not forget that the gynecologist is your friend, thanks to whose actions you can avoid the development of all kinds of gynecological problems.
If you have a fear of visiting a gynecological office, then prepare yourself so that it is research is necessary for your health and the examination procedure is not an execution, but an integral part of the process of caring for women's health.
Many women who were previously afraid and embarrassed to visit a gynecologist have overcome this problem. The solution was to visit the same treating professional, who was liked not only as a specialist, but also as a person. Now a trip to the gynecologist is perceived as a visit to a friend or a specialist in your health.
What to take with you to an appointment with a gynecologist?
If you are going for an examination for the first time, take your documents with you (passport, medical card). As for the inspection itself, you will need sterile gloves, towel and diaper to place on the gynecological chair. The doctor has all the necessary tools.
Modern medicine also suggests purchasing a special gynecological examination package. It includes:
- disposable diaper;
- sterile gloves;
- a plastic disposable vaginal speculum (if you do not bring a bag, they will check you with a metal speculum that has been sterilized);
- glass slide onto which biological material is applied.
This is the standard package. There are other options that include: Volkmann spoon, Ayer spatula. Before visiting a gynecologist, be sure to carry out hygiene procedures.
Video: Why go to the gynecologist?
Visit to the gynecologist. How to prepare?
Many women feel discomfort when visiting a gynecologist. If you prepare in advance this will not happen. So what should you pay attention to before visiting a gynecologist?
Before going to the doctor, you need to empty your bladder and bowels. This is due to the fact that during palpation (when internal organs are manually examined through the skin), the doctor may have difficulties, and you will most likely experience pain.
You should also take a shower or bath and put on fresh underwear. But you shouldn’t make special efforts when washing, this can disrupt the normal microflora in the vagina. Douching is also prohibited; no examination or smear will not provide complete information about the microflora. The use of intimate deodorants and perfumes is undesirable.
You should not have sexual intercourse for three days before visiting a gynecologist. Seminal fluid remaining in the vagina, even in the smallest quantity, will not allow reliable tests to be done. Also, you should not drink alcohol the day before visiting the gynecologist. Taking antibiotics for two weeks before visiting a gynecologist can also affect the reliability of the tests.
The first days after the end of menstruation are the best time to visit a doctor. During menstruation, examinations are not carried out, except in urgent cases of severe pain or heavy bleeding.
Gynecologist appointment
As a rule, the doctor first asks about the reason for the visit; this could be a regular examination or a specific reason (pain, discharge, skin rash). The doctor will ask about past illnesses, operations and it is better to take with you all available extracts so that you can have the most complete picture of the disease. The doctor keeps a medical history, where he enters all the information received from the patient. This information is confidential and cannot be disclosed without the patient’s consent, so you must answer truthfully. If you have questions for your doctor, but are worried that you might forget, it is better to write it down and take this list with you to your appointment.
The doctor will also ask in detail about past illnesses, the nature, regularity and date of menstruation, about pregnancy and childbirth, their complications, termination of pregnancy, allergic reactions, possible hereditary diseases and the method of contraception.
After this, the doctor will begin the examination. First, the doctor conducts a general examination - examining the skin and condition of the mammary glands, height, weight. After this, a gynecological examination is carried out; it consists of two stages - bimanual (examination with two hands) and examination in the mirrors. First, the doctor conducts an examination in the mirrors. Before inserting the speculum, it is better to empty your bladder, then this procedure will not cause any discomfort. If necessary, the doctor takes swabs during the examination. Then, according to indications, video colposcopy is performed (examination of the vagina and cervix using a special microscope), this is a painless procedure. After examining in the mirrors, the doctor proceeds with bimanual examination. Using two hands, the doctor palpates the uterus and appendages.
After the examination, the doctor will issue a preliminary conclusion. Additionally, the doctor may refer you for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. As a result of the examination (examination, survey, ultrasound, tests), the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
Timely treatment, regular examination and implementation of the recommendations of a gynecologist are a guarantee of good women's health.