First trip to the gynecologist: 4 tips to make it a smooth one
There could be a hundred different reasons why you’ve decided to set up that all-important first appointment with your gynecologist. Maybe you’ve just hit puberty. Maybe you’ve accidentally ‘discovered’ a worrying mole or rash — ‘down there’. Or perhaps you want to go beyond sex-ed class and learn everything there is to know about the birds and the bees. Whatever your reasons, feeling nervous before your first appointment is absolutely normal. We know how difficult it can be to open up to an unknown person and reveal intimate details about your body.
While on the subject, here are 4 things to keep in mind that’ll make your first visit to the gynec a breeze.
1. Be honest:
Other than a courtroom, a gynecologist’s office is where you need to be completely truthful. There is no such thing as ‘Too Much Information’ at the gyno’s office; so let your doctor decide what’s relevant. Moreover, your appointment is going to be under the doctor-patient confidentiality agreement, so don’t worry about any sensitive information being divulged.
2. No question is stupid: If you skipped biology class in middle school, fret not. You can ask your gynecologist all kinds of questions without any hesitation, just be sure to pay attention to their answers this time. No question is silly when it is about your body and health.
3. Your ‘chums’ ain’t invited:
When visiting your gynec, it may be a good idea to skip the days you’re on your period. Apart from feeling icky down there, your period could hamper an examination and your trip to the gynec might be wasted.
4. Been there, done that:
Paying a visit to your gynec ‘as is’ isn’t such a bad idea after all because your gynecologist has seen it all before. A last-minute bikini wax could give you an inflammatory rash and camouflage a particular symptom. So there is no need to feel shy at all.
Visiting your gynec is not as scary as you think, although it maybe slightly awkward if it’s your first time. But it only gets easier with each visit. Once you’ve created a good rapport with your doctor, there’s no need to return to Quora or Google for medical advice any more!
* This article is written by a patient of Touch of Life.