I should, but i'm scared to

from JoeUser Forums
When i was in college all the girls over 18 received a letter from the municipality saying that they should present the attached voucher to the clinic mentionned in the letter in order to have their bits checked out. That's right, a visit to the gynaecologists at the governments expense. That's good isnt it? The government cares about it's youngsters. Well to us it was not.

I was scared to go and drop my pants in front of a total stranger. And so were my friends. Luckily we didnt have to. The gynaecologist, a very kind lady, said that since we were still virgins, we wouldnt have to go through the examination but that as soon as we became sexually active we should visit a gynaecologist and make sure everything was fine down below.

Well i have a confession to make. I've never been to one, and i'm still scared about going. I've never liked flashing too much skin, but having a total stranger handling me like a guinea pig and having a look at my gear doesnt sound apealling at all :(

I know I should go, but i'm scared, and i've been delaying the visit for more than a year now... I think i'll go to one when i go to Nouméa and i'll get my Mama to come along, otherwize i really dont see myself stepping into a gynaecologist's office.

Stories about your first timers would be helpful dear JUs ladies and if you have advices on how to control this irrational fear would be helpful too.
3,596 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Awww, sweetie.

It's a good idea to have a gyno visit before you become sexually active, to check for any abnormalities and find out what a normal, healthy you is like.

I don't know any woman that likes gyno visits, but they're so important to your reproductive health (not just for checking for STDs).

I've been tons of times (and when you're pregnant, you get your business messed with A LOT).

Here's what to expect:

Your doctor should get to know you and take your history while you are fully clothed. If you have any questions or concerns, let her know. If you feel uncomfortable or anxious, let her know about that, too.

She will ask you to change into a gown (or cover yourself in a sturdy sheet), and she will leave the room.

She will give you plenty of time, and then she will knock on the door to make sure you're covered up and ready for her. She will likely bring a nurse in with her to oversee and to protect herself and you from any sorts of allegations about misconduct.

Generally, she will begin with a breast exam. She should talk you through everything she does, telling you before she does it and explaining why she is doing what she is doing.

She will press your breasts with her fingers and move from around your armpit and the outer edges of your breasts in toward your nipples.

When she is finished with your breast exam, she'll allow you to cover up your top portion (you will never be fully exposed during the exam) and ask you to scoot down so that your bottom is resting on the edge of the exam table.

She will have stirrups out, and you will put your heels into them. At this point, you are fully covered (the sheet will be hanging down past your "business"), with your legs bent and spread apart.

She will have all her equipment nearby and will likely place a light near your vagina. When both you and she are ready, she will pull the cloth up just enough so that she can have access to your vagina, but not enough that you feel exposed.

She will be wearing gloves and will likely use a lubricant to make you more comfortable.

You will probably have a pap smear, testing for STDs, and a pelvic exam.

She will check your external genitalia for problems, and will use something like a q-tip (but it's not) to swab your cervix. This may be uncomfortable, but it is very quick, and very important.

One of the least comfortable things she will do is the pelvic exam. She will insert two gloved fingers into your vagina and simultaneously press down firmly on your stomach. The purpose of this is to check your internal reproductive organs.

This is also very brief, and she will be gentle and let you know exactly what she's doing.

When she is finished with your exam, she will leave the room and allow you to dress yourself before she comes back, or she may tell you that you are finished and you may leave once you are dressed.

The time actually spent with the doctor doing the tests and exams is very short, less than 30 minutes, if that.

So, just know this:

You are doing something very important for your health. Not only will you be checked for STDs but also for cancer and other things that might damage your reproductive organs and make it difficult or impossible to have a baby.

Your doctor will be very gentle, discreet, and she will help calm you by talking you through the process.

The exam is very quick and will be over before you know it.

Your body will never be completely exposed.

Many gynos have a calming photograph on the ceiling that you can focus on during your exam, but in case yours doesn't try to think of something that soothes you or makes you happy and focus on that to distract yourself during your exam.

Good luck...I know you can do this!

(Oh, and I think bringing your Mama is a great idea)
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I know I was super nervous when I had my first pelvic exam. Now that I am older and married with a baby in the way, I am very used to them. You get examined a lot at the end of pregnancy.

Even though it is hard to do, try and remain relaxed, it will help. I know when I am really tense it makes the exam more uncomfortable.

Good Luck!
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
You think a gyno visit's bad? At least that's for your health. When I got my vasectomy, my doctor was poking and pulling at my junk so hard sometimes I thought my eyes were going back into my skull.

Listen to Tex, and don't worry about the modesty. It's all for your health.

-- B
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Wow Brandie, you've answered so many questions that i've always been scared to ask, thank you so much! I'm still thinking of a when I should do this, and i know i have to, it's not an option, but only thinking about it makes my heart beat rise as if i was running a marathon... I'll talk to my mama about it the next time i talk to her over the phone. We havent lived together since i was 14 and this is a one thing i've never got to telk about with her. I guess it's high time...

Thanks Janders So baby is here?? I just read your article about how long she was taking to be born!
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
oops sorry Janders, just re-read what you typed! But soon i suppose!
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
You think a gyno visit's bad? At least that's for your health. When I got my vasectomy, my doctor was poking and pulling at my junk so hard sometimes I thought my eyes were going back into my skull.

OUCH!! That sounds like torture? I'm sorry you had to go through that kind of treatment. I dont think i'd want my husband (if i ever happen to have one) to have a vasectomy, shouldnt condoms be enough?

Listen to Tex, and don't worry about the modesty. It's all for your health.

You're right Mr Frog, thanks for your comment.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Someday I'll write a blog about my vasectomy. Best thing I ever did! But at least I got a shot that made me high first and not care. Take care of yourself and do this thing, IG. You're worth keeping around!
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Having a female gynocologist may make you feel more comfortable IG. And she will also be more gentle and understanding of your fears.

Those were some good details from Tex. She's a sweetheart insn't she?! Going with your mom is a good idea.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Shovelheat:
Someday I'll write a blog about my vasectomy. Best thing I ever did! But at least I got a shot that made me high first and not care.

You too? Mmm, i dont know, it sounds so definitive, what if some day you want to be a Dad again?
Take care of yourself and do this thing, IG. You're worth keeping around!

Thanks Shovel

foreverserenity:
Having a female gynocologist may make you feel more comfortable IG. And she will also be more gentle and understanding of your fears.

Yes, i think so too. The one I talked to a couple of years ago was real nice. When I go to Nouméa i think i'll go see her again. But maybe my sister (half sister actually, i dont like the word tho, so i just say sister) will recommend someone else. I'll see.
Those were some good details from Tex. She's a sweetheart insn't she?!

Yes, her answer has been very helpful and has given me an idea of what's gonna happen. and i hope it all goes as she said! It was reassuring. And yes, i totally agree she's a sweetheart!
Going with your mom is a good idea.

Yes, even if she doesnt speak french very well, just having her with me will make me feel better i'm sure.