jen52983

I've always been told/heard that a girl "must" go by 18, or after her first period, or as soon as she becomes sexually. Alot of girls get their period by 13, some even younger now-a-days, and that seems much too young for an experience with a gyno.. that's why they say by 18.

Once you start menstrating hormones and such change in your body. Even if you're not sexually active, its good to keep your body in check, make sure everything is working the way it should, get regular pap smears. Especially if various cancers; breast, ovarian, cervical..., run in your family.

the Gyno really isn't that bad. The 1st visit is always the worst b/c you don't know what to expect and you're thinking horrible things about it! It is definitely normaly to be nervous! You can even tell the doctor that, they won't take offense to it! They really don't care if you're shaved or not. That's your preference. Since you are 18, your mother should not be allowed in the room, unless you want her there.

I am more comfortable with a female doctor. That's just my preference. All the Women doctors that I've had tell me step by step what they are doing, and why. And don't ever hesitate to ask questions. It's your body and you have a right to know what's going on with it!

When you go, you'll be taken to the examing room where a nurse will take your blood pressure and your weight. She'll ask you about your family medical history and your own. once she's done with that, she'll leave the room so you can change into the gown. You will have to undress completely (you can leave your socks on!) The doctor will knock and come in. Sometimes they ask you some of the same questions that the nurse already did. During a regular visit, the doctor will start with a breast exam. They do this to check for abnormal lumps that could be worrisome. Then she'll move on to do your pap and make sure everything looks and feels ok. The forceps (i think that's what they're called) are more uncomfortable than painful. It shouldn't be painful, and if it is, let them know. You'll need to relax as much as possible. If you're too tense, the doctor will have a hard time getting the forceps in.. your body resisting could cause some pain. The pap is a quick swab with a long q-tip basically. That causes a light cramping feeling for me, but it only last as long as she's using the q-tip, which is about 30 seconds, if that.

The most important thing to remember is that it won't be as horrible as you may be imagining. Everyone is nervous their first time, b/c it is an uncomfortable thing to go through... but that's the worst of it.. just a few uncomfortable minutes. No-one enjoys going to the Gyno-- but its much better than any possible bad alternative. Ask any questions you may have, and don't hesitate to tell them you're nervous. Being your first time, the doctor will probably expect you to be nervous. But I promise.. it's really not that bad, uncomfortable and a bit awkward.. but survivable! You'll be fine!!