Every girl goes into her first gynecological appointment nervous. The visit can be somewhat uncomfortable and even embarrassing. You are not sure what to expect and have only heard about the pain of your first exam. At UAMS, we have the facilities and staff to provide a comfortable and confidential environment for your exams. And if you want to see a female doctor, we understand and have several to choose from that are available to see you.
The American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommends that girls have their first gynecology visit between the ages of 13 and 15. The first visit may just be a talk between you and your doctor. You may need to have one sooner if you:
- Are sexually active
- Have abnormal symptoms
- Have experienced problems with your menstrual cycle
- Have not had a menstrual cycle yet
Try to schedule your appointment when you will not be having your period. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down before the appointment to ensure that you will not forget anything.
Some parts of the appointment will be like visiting your family doctor. UAMS staff members will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure. Also, you will be asked to tell us about your family and medical history. Our staff will also ask questions about your health and any changes or recent concerns. It is important that you are open and honest with your doctor because he/she cannot tell anyone what you share. In fact, the more information the doctor has, the better he/she will be able to help you.
Sometimes doctors will want to test your urine. Whether this is required or not, it is a good idea to use the restroom before your physical exam because this will help relieve some of the discomfort during the exam.
After you are left alone to change into a hospital gown, the doctor will come back in the room and listen to your heart and lungs. He/she will then also examine your thyroid and abdomen. This is usually followed by a painless and simple breast exam.
Next, the doctor will do the pelvic exam where he/she examines your external and internal reproductive organs. You will also probably have a Pap smear, which helps detect cancerous cells in your cervix. And your doctor will perform a bimanual exam where he/she feels for any abnormalities in your uterus and ovaries. If at any time you are in pain, do not hesitate to tell your doctor.
At UAMS, we understand that your first exam can awkward and uncomfortable, so be assured that our caring and compassionate doctors will help put you at ease during the exam.
To learn more about women's health services at UAMS, call 501-526-7425 or (if you are calling from outside the Little Rock area) 1-866-273-3835. Or schedule an appointment online with one of our gynecologists.
