Sometimes I wish I had an older sister. Although I was taught to be very independent and take control of my doctor’s visits and overall health early on, there are a lot of questions and things I came across in my early 20s that I wish I could have asked without feeling silly or embarrassed. So I thought I’d write an “older sister” like post on this topic with info I wish I’d had when I was 21 and going to my first appointment at an OBGYN.
I’m going to be talking more broadly since I am not a doctor (which is why I’m glad you are going to see one!). Remember, your beautiful body is unique to you. Your OBGYN is there to give you information, perform any tests you may need, and provide tips to help you stay healthy.
Some questions you may have before we get started:
- What does “OBGYN” stand for? Obstetrics and gynecology.
- How old should you be to visit the gynecologist? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they’re between the ages of 13 and 15. Your first cervical cancer screening / Pap smear test is usually at 21. Talk to your parents and have them ask your primary physician for their recommendations for you.
- Why should I visit a gynecologist? Your OBGYN covers a lot of topics — your period, hygiene, how alcohol or smoking can affect your health, Pap smear tests, breast cancer (and how to perform at home self-checks), PCOS, pregnancy, and more. In addition to your Pap smear test (when you’re 21+), it’s important to discuss your reproductive and sexual health with a doctor (like if you’re having painful or irregular periods or noticing any specific changes).
MAKING THE APPOINTMENT
Not all doctors are created equal. Your health insurance should cover your annual OBGYN visit, but always double check with your (or your parents’) provider if you will be expected to pay a co-pay for the visit. If you’re finding your first OBGYN office, check out the reviews or maybe ask some friends or family if there’s someone they would recommend.
Each doctor is going to be different because they are a different person with different personalities, so try to keep that in mind. Do you need someone who is more gentle and will walk you through each step? Are you more blunt and direct? Chatty or more clinical? Are you okay with a male, or would you prefer a female doctor? (I personally prefer to have a female.) Do a little research to find a doctor who is in your insurance’s network who fits those categories. It will help you feel a bit more comfortable when you go in.
ARRIVAL
Once you’ve made your appointment, you’ll want to make sure if they have an online portal or anywhere to fill out the registration forms that you do that ahead of time. If you fill out the paperwork upon arrival, just be sure to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your appointment. You’ll need your driver’s license and your insurance card so they can make a copy of those.
Registration paperwork doesn’t usually take too much time, but it’s pretty thorough. Make sure you’re being honest. The doctor can’t help you effectively if you say your periods are regular when they aren’t or that there isn’t a history of cancer or heart disease in your family. These notes actually really help with figuring out how to give you the best possible care!
I highly recommend downloading and using the free version of the mobile app Flo. It’s a period tracking app where you can log not only your periods, but changes in mood, etc. That way you’re never guessing when you’re asked “what was the date of your last period?”
THE VISIT AND TESTING
When you first begin your appointment, you’ll start with providing a urine sample and they will take your height and weight measurements.
When you’re in your exam room, you’ll have a paper type wrap (the opening should be in the front not the back) that you will put on. Depending on your age, if you’re under 21, you may just talk with your doctor without a pelvic or internal exam.
If you would like to have a parent or someone in the room with you, ask! There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of if you would be more comfortable with someone else in the room.
Usually you’ll spend a few minutes talking with your doctor about your overall health and they may ask some questions depending on your age, marital status, if you’re on birth control, etc. Your discussion will be personal to you, so be honest and open with your experiences.
If you’re a teenager your doctor may skip this, but you should learn how to perform an at-home check for breast cancer. During your exam, you will lay down on your back with your arm above your head and your doctor will check for lumps.
When you’re 21, you’ll have a Pap smear test to check for cervical cancer. You will lay down on the table with your feet in the stirrups (like Ross did in that episode of FRIENDS), and they will insert a device to help open your cervix for the doctor. When they’re getting the sample, you’ll feel a little pressure and then it’ll be done. Your sample will be sent off to a lab, and you’ll get those results back at a later date.
They will likely do your internal check right after your Pap smear (gloved finger inserted and your doctor will place their hand on your pelvis) to make sure everything is healthy. If there’s any other tests you need done, they will let you know about those, otherwise you’re done!
This is important: Ask questions if you don’t understand something, or if something didn’t feel right or was concerning. Ask someone else if you didn’t feel comfortable with your doctor. If you didn’t have a parent or someone in the room with you, share your experience with them later. When it comes to your reproductive and sexual health, your safety is important.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
After you check out, you’re good to hop in the car and go grab a celebratory smoothie for braving your first gynecologist visit!
Many doctors have an online portal for you to look at notes from your appointment, so be sure to check those. If you received a Pap smear or any other type of test, you’ll receive those results later. You may be billed separately from the lab so when you receive that info, make sure it was covered by insurance or you will need to make a payment yourself.
And that’s about it! Don’t be nervous, a good doctor will make sure you feel comfortable and will want to answer any and all of your questions.
Much love,
Jenn
