You are about to have your first pelvic exam (gynecological exam). Are you nervous because you don’t know what to expect, are embarrassed and afraid it will hurt? Feeling this way is perfectly normal!
Bring a friend along for support!
Your first doctor’s appointment
First, your doctor will ask you about your lifestyle habits, family history, medical history and sexual history. Some questions may feel too personal, but remember that your doctor is asking these questions in order to be able to provide the right care for you and meet your needs. You can feel confident that your mother or other relatives will not have access to this information.
When is it necessary to have a pelvic examination ?
A pelvic examination is performed once a year for all women who are sexually active. A doctor often performs this exam annually when a prescription for contraception is renewed.
It is unusual for an internal examination to be done on your first visit. Usually, it is done on your second or third visit. Tell yourself that it is important for you to be relaxed so that it is more comfortable and the doctor’s work is easier. This part of the examination only lasts a few minutes.
Unless there are special circumstances, your doctor will not do a gynecological examination if you have not had sex.
What happens durint the exam ?
The examination has a couple steps:
- The first step is to examine the outside of the genital area (vulva) to check if the skin is healthy and to ensure that there aren’t any lesions, signs of inflammation or infection such as the presence of abnormal vaginal or anal discharge.
- For the second step of the exam, the doctor will insert a device usually made of plastic, called a speculum, into your vagina. Its shape is often compared to a duck’s beak. It comes in different sizes and, if this is your first examination, the doctor will use the smallest size. The speculum is used to spread the walls of the vagina so that the doctor can see the cervix and the inside of your vagina. The doctor will check to see that everything is normal and that there are no signs of infection or inflammation. Then the doctor will remove some cells from the cervix by gently scraping it with a small stick. This exam is called a cytology or Pap test. You may experience a small pinching sensation in your lower stomach, which will only last for a few moments. Then the speculum is removed. The samples are sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. You should not have a Pap test while you are on your period.
- The third part of the exam consists of palpating or, if you prefer, feeling the internal organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes. Wearing gloves and using a lubricant, the doctor will insert one or two fingers into your vagina and place his or her other hand on your stomach with a bit of pressure. This part of the examination is more comfortable if your bladder is empty; you should go to the bathroom before the exam. From this examination, the doctor will know the position and size of your uterus and ensure that everything is normal. He or she will then check your ovaries for cysts.
- Lastly, your doctor will examine your breasts if you want.
What is a PAP test for ?
The purpose of a Pap test (cytology) is early screening for abnormal cells on the cervix. With time, abnormal cells can change into cancerous cells. By doing a Pap test regularly (once a year), cervical cancer can be prevented or treated very early on. Pap test results are usually normal.
Sometimes, results may take some time to get to your doctor because of a delay between the examination and the microscopic analysis at the laboratory. If the samples are abnormal, your doctor will call you.
A Pap test does not test for STDs. In addition to your annual exam, it is important to make an appointment at the STD clinic (724-8338) if you have had unprotected sex with new partners.
Question and answers
Your doctor is there to answer your questions and address your concerns. Talk to him or her openly about any concerns or fears you might have. Even though the subject of sex can be intimidating, he or she can answer your questions adequately and without judgment. You can also refer to other pamphlets that can be found in the waiting room; they may help you to raise more delicate issues and answer some of your questions. You can also visit our website at any time.
Last update : July 2014