How to Prepare for a Visit to the Gynecologist
- Don't schedule your appointment during your period. ...
- Reconsider pelvic grooming. ...
- Don't douche. ...
- Don't have sex the night before. ...
- Keep track of your cycle. ...
- Bring your medical records. ...
- Don't be embarrassed. ...
- Come prepared with a list of questions.
Should you shower before Obgyn?
You Don't Need to Shower Right Before Your Appointment
Many women worry about any unpleasant smells, discharge, or sweat before an appointment. Taking a bath or shower the night before is fine. However, if you are concerned, wear a panty liner and change it to stay fresh before your appointment.
How do you clean before an Obgyn appointment?
Gynecologists don't recommend douching at all because it can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal flora and its natural acidity. Instead, before a pelvic exam, it is recommended to rinse or wash the vagina with just warm water. Also, make sure to avoid using any vaginal creams or foams for 48 hours prior to the exam.
Should I shave before my Obgyn appointment?
You don't need to wax or shave before your appointment.
“Vaginal grooming is your personal choice. The main consideration on how to prepare for an exam is to simply be clean, so showering or using a vaginal hygiene wipe prior to your visit is suggested.”
What to know before going to the Obgyn?
When you visit the gynecologist, many doctors will want to run a few tests. These exams will vary depending on why you're there, whether you're sexually active, and how old you are. Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements are common, as are external genital exams, pelvic exams, breast exams and pap smears.
Gynecologist reveals everything you need to know about your first appointment
What should I wear to the Obgyn?
Wear comfortable clothing you can get out of easily. Also, if you're having a mammogram before or after your Pap test, “wear a top and skirt or pants,” Dr. King says. “That way you can remove just your top for the test.”
What should you not do before a Pap smear?
Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. It's best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.
Do OB GYN care about hair?
What Will My OB/GYN Think? An OB/GYN's job involves inspecting places that are private. Some women feel pressure to ensure that everything is perfect before they go. The truth is that your doctor and their staff do not care if you are clean-shaven or not.
Can I go to Obgyn on my period?
You can definitely proceed as planned and go to your appointment. “You can go to the gynecologist while on your period,” says Felice Gersh, MD, author of “PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness.” “It shouldn't impact the appointment very much at all,” she says.
Do doctors care if you shave your pubic hair?
Nope! You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor's appointment!). Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern. They've seen it all, and how you style (or don't style) your pubic hair probably won't even register.
Should you wear socks to the gynecologist?
Leave Your Socks On
One thing you might worry about during a gynecological exam is odor, and whether it's affecting the doctor. But keep in mind they won't be affected, Dr. Ghodsi says. If you want to keep your socks on, for example, to cover up smelly feet, go ahead and do so.
Can a gynecologist tell if you're turned on?
First, we want to reassure you that your gynecologist can NOT tell whether you've had sex, even during a pelvic (sometimes called gynecological) exam.
Can you wear a tampon to the Obgyn?
When the nurse or medical assistant brings you into the room, I'd recommend you let her know you're menstruating. They can put something on the exam table to absorb the blood. You can either ask to use the restroom to remove a tampon or take it out and dispose of it when you're undressing and putting on a gown.
What do gynecologists test blood for?
Those cells will be sent to a lab and checked for cervical cancer, possibly the human papillomavirus (HPV) and other abnormalities. If you have been sexually active, the doctor might also test you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV.
Can boyfriend come to Pap smear?
Whenever you do have your first pelvic exam, it's okay to feel a little nervous or freaked out. You can call your doctor ahead of time to find out if your boyfriend (or anybody else) can accompany you. For a number of reasons, however, it's unlikely that he'll be allowed to be with you.
Do Pap smears hurt?
The Pap smear shouldn't hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. The good news is, it's over quickly.
Does pubic hair trap odor?
But pubic hair isn't actually unhygienic. Like other hair on your body, your pubes trap sweat, oil, and bacteria. So, they might have a slightly stronger odor than other areas of your body. As long as you wash regularly, this shouldn't be cause for concern.
Can I shower before a Pap smear?
Do not use douche, bubble bath, or use vaginal medicine for three days before Pap test. You may shower, but do not tub bathe 24 hours before the Pap test. Inform your clinician about additional medications/conditions that may interfere with an accurate test.
Can you still get a Pap smear while on your period?
Technically, you can get a Pap smear while on your period, but it may be better to reschedule to a time when you aren't menstruating. Depending on how heavy your flow is, it may affect the results of your screening. If your flow is lighter, it may not be an issue.
What should I bring to the Obgyn?
You might be asked to take off your clothes and wear a special robe or gown. A nurse will probably be present in the room during the exams. You can ask for a friend or relative to be with you, too. Girls often bring their mother with them, sometimes to hold hands with, during the exam, Trent says.
Why does my Obgyn take a urine sample every visit?
For prenatal visits and pregnant women, frequent urine tests are critical for ensuring the overall health of the mother and the child. They can be used to screen for health issues such a preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
What does a gynecologist do when your first appointment?
We'll give you a general physical exam. This means we'll check your blood pressure, your heart rate, your weight and we may need to take some blood for a blood test. This will help us see if you have diseases such as prediabetes. If you are having sex, we may give you a test for sexually transmitted infections.
Should I cancel Obgyn on period?
Going to the gyno during your period is generally okay, especially if it's about period-related issues. In fact, canceling the appointment if it falls during a period is probably not necessary. Some people might feel uncomfortable and would prefer to reschedule, but there's no need to otherwise.
What happens if you're on your period in the hospital?
What if I have my period while I'm in the hospital? Don't worry – It's okay if you have your period the day of your surgery or while you are in the hospital! This will not cause your surgery to be cancelled. Most likely you won't be allowed to wear a tampon while in surgery.
Do you get fully naked at gynecologist?
"When you go to the gynecologist, you should expect to have a pelvic exam," explains Dr. Bowe. "This means you will undress from the waist down. You will be given a gown to cover up with, so don't worry about being naked in the exam room."
James Stevens 
