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Gynecologist
I am going to the gynecologist soon and I have a few questions:
1. I'm not sexually active, I'm just getting put on the pill for my period. But I'm almost positive I'll be sexually active 6 months to a year from now. I was wondering if I should mention that during my visit? Or just mention it during an appointment after I lose my virginity?
2. If you're not sexually active, do they prescribe to you birth control pills that arent as effective as ones given to those who ARE sexually active? Or all birth controls just as effective regardless if you're sexually active or not?
3. I am not comfortable showing my body to anyone, especially strangers (like doctors.) What is a good way to get over this feeling and feel more relaxed?
4. Is there anything I should do to prepare for my appointment? Any other tips?
Thank you for your time.
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Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Health?
First let me say that you don't HAVE to go to a gynecologist for birth control. You can go to any doctor who is a family practitioner. Gyno's are expensive because the specialize in reproduction.
Just putting that out there for those who may not know that.
If you believe you will be sexually active within the year, you need to mention it. You don't HAVE to but they can provide you with much needed information. Just being on the pill isn't enough. The pill does not protect you from STD's.
All birth control pills are created equal. Those for periods are as effective as those for pregnancy prevention.
Believe me when I say no one is comfortable with
pelvic exams. A nurse will be in the room with you the entire time. While it is an awkward situation, they usually keep you talking about something totally unrelated and its over before you know it. Being a bit nervous is perfectly normal. Wish there was a way not to be but there really isn't.
Before you go for your appointment, write down any questions you may have for the doctor or nurse. I know it may sound silly, but as mentioned, you'll be nervous. Its really easy to forget to ask something, or just opting to get out
as soon as possible! Some of the questions you've asked here would be good ones to ask. just to ease your mind. :)
Here is a site for more info..
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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1) The doctor I worked for would have a talk with all teenage girls about sex, sexually transmitted diseases and birth control when they visited her. Usually when they came in for sports physicals or whatever. Since you will be getting a Gyno exam they will probably ask if you are sexually active but probably not if you plan to be. You will probably get the sex talk but don't be offended because it is routine.
2)All birth control pills are created equal. There are none that are less effective than others.There are different brands etc. but they all work the same.
3)To be honest I don't think there is a woman out there who isn't uncomfortable with the internal exam. Its just a necessary evil. They will know you are nervous and will talk to you as if nothing is going on. It helps a little. A nurse will be in the room the whole time.
4)If you have any questions about anything to do with sex, your pills, your period, STD's write them down. Take the list with you and don't be afraid to ask. If you write them down you won't forget to ask since you will be nervous. :)
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1) I would go ahead and tell your gyno if you're planning on having sex. That way they can discuss with you your options on protecting yourself against pregancy and STDs as well as be sure to check for signs of STDs on your next checkup. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your gyno about it yet, you're probably not ready to have sex yet. Once you do have sex, you definitely need to let your gyno know on the next appointment.
2) Generally if you're not sexually active, they'll provide a lower-dose birth control to you since most times it only takes a little change in your hormones to regulate your periods. However if taken regularly and correctly, most birth controls have about the same effectiveness.
I would suggest following up the birth control with condoms anyway for 2 reasons. One, it helps decrease your chance of pregnancy. Two, birth control pills do not protect against STDs and condoms do. You do not want to take birth control pills to protect against pregnancy only to learn later that an STD made you infertile since you didn't use a condom.
3) It's completely natural to feel uncomfortable about a stranger seeing your body. Try to talk with the doctor before the visit so you at least feel like you know her/him a little better. Realize that this is their job. Even though you're in front of them unclothed, they're only looking at the necessary parts for the exam. Try to keep your mind off what the doctor is doing by thinking of other things. The movie you saw the night before, a book you're reading, that cute boy in your class can all distract you.
4) Since you're not sexually active right now, this is probably not needed but I'll say it anyway so you know for next time...do not have sex the night before. Do not douche or use any vaginal creams for 2 days before. Do not use a tampon before your exam. If you're on your period, reschedule your appointment. Anything in your vagina, even up to 2 days before, can throw off the tests results by washing away or hiding abnormal cells.
Try to get a good night's rest so you'll be relaxed. It's a personal thing for me but I always take a shower before my exams so I'm "fresh".
I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
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How can you plan being sexually active a year or so from now? Its supposed to be spontaneous and special - not planned.
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1.) Mention it now. This is important to your gynecologist and they can give you some great advice and talk very frankly and comfortably about sex.
2.) Often if they are just perscribing birth control to help regulate your period they DO NOT PERSCRIBE A HIGH ENOUGH DOSE TO BE AN EFFECTIVE BIRTH CONTROL. Notice the caps, this is very important. You must make sure that your doctor understands you wish to be protected agianst pregnancy as well.
3.) Give yourself a really good shower and use your favorite soap or scents. It will make you feel a little better about have someone close to your body. Take deep breaths and remember that although this is very odd for you, the doctor does this everyday of thier lives! It's practically boring to them.
4.) If you are for any reason uncomfortable, just speak up. If your doctor is a male you have the right to have a female in the room while you are being examined too.
It's kinda scarry the first time or so but trust me it's easy as pie. Good luck!
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well ill be honest with you, ive never been too a gyno before so i dont know from a paitients perspective...anyway, i would check out [Link](Mouse over link to see full location) (the main site is beinggirl.com) or the about.com website. i think that should answer your questions. otherwise these are my answers:
1. you might want to metion it so they can instruct you in proper birth control (a lot of people dont know this stuff!)
3. relax...its normal to be nervous but the doctor has seen tons of people and its not a huge deal to them. if you get a male doctor you can ask to have a female if your uncomfortable,fyi.
4. take a shower...thats all i can think of.
hope this helps and good luck at your appointment! <3
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