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Gyno Anxiety
I'm 23 and T-E-R-R-I-F-I-E-D of going to the gynecologist. I've never been, and I know that's pretty bad. I know I need to go, but I'm so scared. I'm afraid of it hurting and stuff. What can I do to help myself?
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If you have never been then you have no idea if it is bad or not. But from my experiences, depending on what you are going for..they will always be gentle and use plenty of lubrication to protect you from being hurt.
If you are terrified, you need to explain to them that you have these feelings. Im sure they will be understanding. Just relax, I know that doctor's appointments can be anxious. Just take a deep breath and be honest with them. Don't ever doom yourself before you even begin.
Good luck.
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I went the day before I turned 17 and I was also very nervous. I see people have given you the process... from my experience, she just talked to me about my sexual history, birth control, etc then she felt my breasts then did the whole downstairs business. if you use a tampon, this should be nothing. i never saw the clamp thing luckily but that whole thing doesnt really hurt. it does for a split second then it's over. gynos know how sensative that area is so they're careful. they use lube and are gentle... you'll be ok, i promise. i suggest bringing your mom with you or maybe a friend to calm your nerves until they actually start the exam. <3
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The first visit to the gyno can make you nervous, but relax. Try not to think about anything at all- it is more uncomfortable than painful. Let your gyno know that it is your first visit, and they will make sure to be gentle (they always are, actually). I think that most gynos also give you a breast exam during your yearly visit.
Before inserting the speculum (holds vaginal walls open), the gyno will use a lubricant. The exam takes a short time- all they do is swab a long q-tip to collect samples. Once you are at the gyno, try to relax your muscles (they may also remind you to do so), and focus your attention on other things. Oh, and you should not douche or be on your period (of course) because these can interfere with the lab results.
At your age, you should get a pelvic exam every year, whether or not you are sexually active. I think once you hit 30 or so, you can get one every other year. But anyway, I have read that women should first get a pelvic exam by the time they are 21. You are 23, but you should make sure to go get a pap smear every year, and if you are sexually active, also get tested.
Here is a link for more information on the gyno, and pelvic exams/pap smears:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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Just relax. I promise it's not that bad. The worst thing you can do is go in all tense and worried. That will just make things worse. It only takes 2-3 minutes for the examination. It may help you to relax if you bring an MP3 player to listen to. It really depends on what makes you comfortable. When you go in your appointment, let the doctor know you're kind of nervous. If it would make you feel better, have her go through the procedure with you before she actually does it. As the procedure is going on, feel free to ask questions about what's going on down there.
The more relaxed you are, the less it will hurt. All gynos use different sized clamps and lube that will fit comfortably to your vagina. I know the term "clamp" sounds scary, but it's not as horrible as it sounds. All you will feel is slight pressure. Like I said, it only lasts a couple minutes.
I know on my first gyno visit, the doctor pulled out the tool and my mouth just dropped open. I thought "How the heck does that thing fit in there?!" But after lying down and relaxing my muscles, I could barely feel a thing.
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