by Premier Hospitals | May 23, 2019 |
Are you visiting a gynecologist for the very first time? Continue reading to know what to expect during your first visit.
Gynecologists are specialists who mainly deal with the female reproductive system. They are specially trained to treat issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, menstruation and fertility issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hormone disorders, and others. They primarily focus on female reproductive health and help with gynecological problems.
Gynecologists are the best doctors to treat conditions like abnormal pap smears, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, fibroid, ovarian masses, menopause, pelvic pain, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, and vaginitis.
When to See a Gynecologist:
Building a relationship with the gynecologist is a must for every girl or woman, because a gynecologist guides a womenâs long term welfare through counseling on important health and lifestyle issues. A visit to the gynecologist is a must for every girl because it makes you feel healthy and confident. You shouldn't hesitate to meet a gynecologist if you:
- Haven't noticed any changes from puberty
- Haven't had a period
- Have severe menstrual cramps
- Have any other pelvic pains
- Have extra heavy, or unusual bleeding during your cycles
- Have vaginal itching, redness, sores, swelling, strange odor or discharge
- Are pregnant
- Have missed or irregular menstrual cycles
- Are experiencing burning sensation while urinating
- Are experiencing frequent urination
- Have injured your pelvic area
- Are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
- Looking for family planning, sterilization, and pregnancy termination
- Have sudden and extreme belly pain
What To Expect during a Gynecologist Appointment? Â
The best way to visit a gynecologist is to referral from your mother, friend, or someone else you trust, because personal recommendation always gives you confidence. However, what to expect during your first visit largely depends on your condition and the reason for your visit.
Before the First Visit
Before
your appointment, it would be wise to prepare a list of questions or issues you want to discuss with a gynecologist. Donât hesitate to
ask questions, because your time with the doctor is limited and you should make the best use of it.
If you are taking any medications or had screenings such as mammogram, Pap test, vaccinations, colonoscopy, and bone density scan in the past, bring it to your doctorâs attention.
During the Visit
History: During the initial consultation, they will ask you questions related to your medical history, menstrual cycle, sexual activity, and so on. This is to know the background information, lifestyle, and needs. Do not hesitate to answer them truthfully.
After the discussion, they will ask you to put on a gown. He or she will then expose only the necessary areas required for screening tests, if any.
General check-up: Gynecologist will also check your blood pressure, hemoglobin, and record your weight. They may also request a urine test and assess other body parts such as heart, lungs, chest, and thyroid gland to detect any abnormalities.
Breast exam:Â They may also order a breast exam to check your breasts to make sure you don't have abnormal lumps or pain.
Internal Examination: A gynecologist may also conduct a pelvic exam to check your reproductive organs. First, he/she will evaluate the external genital areas such as the vulva, clitoris and urethral opening.
After that, he/she will check the internal genital areas using an instrument called a speculum. A speculum is an instrument used to get a better view of your vaginal walls and cervix. While the spectrum is inserted, your doctor will collect samples for your Pap test or STIs test using a soft brush or a flat scraping device. Then he/she will do a pap smear, to check whether the cells in your cervix are healthy.
A bimanual test may also be conducted to study your reproductive organs. With one hand on your abdomen, he/she inserts the gloved or lubricated fingers in the vagina to check whether your uterus and ovaries are healthy. This part can make you anxious, but it only takes a minute.
What To Expect After First Visit? Â
If your gynecologist finds any abnormalities, he/she will contact you after receiving the results and discuss the nature of the irregularities. And plan for appropriate remedies or treatments as needed.
Conclusion:
How often you visit a gynecologist depends on your health history, current health issues, and your lifestyle. But, visiting a gynecologist every year will benefit you in terms of leading a healthy life. However, it is a must to see a gynecologist immediately, if you suspect any reproductive symptoms like vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding.
About The Hospital:
Since the inception of
Premier Hospital in 1991 till today, we have grown to unprecedented levels, due to our excellence in medical sciences and healthcare. Premier Hospital is the creation of Dr Mahesh Marda and when it was first established, was only a small, 30-bed hospital facility. Back then, we provided only secondary care to patients, but that certainly has changed in the present landscape.