Juicygirl answered Friday September 9 2005, 9:18 pm: I assumed you mean gynecologist?
It might be uncomfortable on your first visit to have a stranger examine your more intimate parts but soon your gynecologist will become more like a best friend that comes with a full read-out of your genital health.
Remember everyone's private regions are different and they vary like our facial features. Gynecologists won't are sworn into secrecy. How else can they gain your trust and your money? Gynos have seen everything from a gonorria infection to genital warts, and know what they're doing, so they aren't examining and taking tests for no reason. To become a gyno it takes 8 years of schooling and 4 years of residency. After that its pre med programs, MCATS, USMLC (3 parts), not to mention you need to score high enough to even get a chance at a residency, and up to 10 years up to that (depending on how far you really want to take this gyno business). So they are very serious and professional about what they're doing.
Before you ask, you should be visiting on a yearly basis which greatly increases the chances of finding any problem in its early and often treatable stage and you should have your first visit by 13-15 (around when your menstrual process begins) regardless of whether or not you're sexually active.
Here are the types of examinations you'll probably be receiving (you do not need a pap smear until you're 18):
Pelvic Exam (remember this varies according to your age):
Checks for redness, discharge or other abnormalities
Manually feels the size, shape, and position of internal organs
Views the Cervix, using a device called a speculum
and the breast exams to check for abnormal growths or lumps.
And the pap smears when you are over 18 involves collecting cells from the cervix to check for inflamation, infection, and cancer.
Importantly, do not worry about any pain!! The doctor will use two lubricated fingers to check your inner organs. Be prepared to be asked questions during the examination. Please answer these questions honestly, or else he or she cannot offer you the best possible care. I've gotten so comfortable with my doc where i actually have a conversation with him about his family and the news. You are allowed to have a friend, family member, or even a nurse be in the room at the same time to lift a bit of pressure off of you.
My first visit was a little awkward since i wasn't sure what to expect and thought i would be yelled at for waiting so long to schedule an examination. When arriving i remained tense and did not feel calm until the actual examination began. My words were carefully selected and limited to just answering the question since i was still feeling a bit exposed and embarrassed. Other than that there was no pain, just pressure and made me more confident to schedule my next appointment. [ Juicygirl's advice column | Ask Juicygirl A Question ]
xXxpinky615xXx answered Friday September 9 2005, 8:12 pm: It's spelled gynocologist... Just as an FYI. Anyway, it's not horrible. For some women it can be VERY uncomfortable and sometimes painful. I mean... You have someone looking at your vagina... What do you expect? If you have a male gynocologist, it will probably be even more uncomfortable then it would be if your doctor was female. If you DO have a male doctor, and you'd feel more comfortable having a female doctor check you out, you can request that also depending on the practice. [ xXxpinky615xXx's advice column | Ask xXxpinky615xXx A Question ]
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