I'm 19 years old and I've never been to a gynecologist. I didn't even know what one was until I moved out of my parents house. Maybe its because I grew up with my dad, or maybe he was just too shy to take me to one, but I know I need to go as soon as possible. The risks are high with HPV and everything.

The thing is...I'm absolutely scared to death to go. I think it's perhaps because I don't know what's going to happen. My questions are these:

What will occur on the initial visit?

Will they stick anything inside me?

Do I have to be completely naked?

Is it better to get a male or female gynecologist?

Does it hurt?

Is it embarrassing?

Will the doctor comment about anything "down there"?

What will they test for?



Also, I hear people talk about getting monthly mammograms. At what age are you supposed to start doing that?

Thanks ladies!

Hello Crysana,

I am only 22, but have been going to the gynocologist since I was 16.
The first visit I was nervous, but it turned out to be no big deal.

What will occur on the initial visit?
You'll sign in and probably wait at least a 1/2 hour because dr's offices are always behind on appointments. Then they'll weigh you and take your blood pressure. Ask questions, like when you last period was.

Will they stick anything inside me?
The doctor will have you put your feet in stirrups,(at the end of the table),
and a sheet will cover your legs. The doctor will apply a gel like substance in order to insert the speculum. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina to open it,(not painful, just a tad uncomfortable), then a sample will be taken with what looks like a long qtip.
don't worry, this does not hurt and it actually takes less than one minute to do. then the speculum will be removed. Then, the doctor will insert one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and press down on your abdomen to check your ovaries. This is very quickly too, maybe 15-20 seconds.
Then he/she will aski if you have any ?s and that's that!!

Do I have to be completly naked?
Most doctors will have you get completly naked because in addition to the pap test, you will also have a breast exam. The breast exam is quick, under a minute. This is not painful, the doctor just feels for lumps in the breast. They will also give you a sheet for the bottom and a paper-like vest for the top to cover until that area of your body is checked.

Is it better to get a male or female gynocologist?
My first doctor was a male. Personally, I like my new female doctor better, but the bottom line is, you can't be shy with them. They've seen it all and you should ask all the questions you want after all its your health.

Does it hurt?
Getting a pap smear does not hurt. The speculum, which opens the vagina, may be slightly uncomfortable. You should try to relax, If you tighten up your muscles, you may cause yourself to be more uncomfortable than you should be.

Is it embarassing?
Obviously, you will feel self concious during your first visit, I was. But remember the doctor does this all day, every day and he/she has seen it all. If you have a male doctor, then a female nurse will be in the room. This is a rule all doctors must follow. If not the female doctor may be alone with you in the exam room.

Will the doctor comment on anything "down there"?
Unless they notice something obvious like extreme redness or leisons, they do not comment, at least my doctors never did.

What will they test for?
First, they'll take you height, weight and blood pressure.
Then the Pap test will be used to screen for cell abnormalities.
Last, the breast exam will just be to feel for lumps or breast abnormalities.

Mamograms are not neccesary until around age 40-50. You're cool for now.

So, just relax and remember, we're all in the same boat and the doctor is there to help you. Ask all the questions you want and if youre really nervous, then just tell the doctor, they will ease your worries.
Hope this helps you out.

Hello Crysana,

I am only 22, but have been going to the gynocologist since I was 16.
The first visit I was nervous, but it turned out to be no big deal.

What will occur on the initial visit?
You'll sign in and probably wait at least a 1/2 hour because dr's offices are always behind on appointments. Then they'll weigh you and take your blood pressure. Ask questions, like when you last period was.

Will they stick anything inside me?
The doctor will have you put your feet in stirrups,(at the end of the table),
and a sheet will cover your legs. The doctor will apply a gel like substance in order to insert the speculum. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina to open it,(not painful, just a tad uncomfortable), then a sample will be taken with what looks like a long qtip.
don't worry, this does not hurt and it actually takes less than one minute to do. then the speculum will be removed. Then, the doctor will insert one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and press down on your abdomen to check your ovaries. This is very quickly too, maybe 15-20 seconds.
Then he/she will aski if you have any ?s and that's that!!

Do I have to be completly naked?
Most doctors will have you get completly naked because in addition to the pap test, you will also have a breast exam. The breast exam is quick, under a minute. This is not painful, the doctor just feels for lumps in the breast. They will also give you a sheet for the bottom and a paper-like vest for the top to cover until that area of your body is checked.

Is it better to get a male or female gynocologist?
My first doctor was a male. Personally, I like my new female doctor better, but the bottom line is, you can't be shy with them. They've seen it all and you should ask all the questions you want after all its your health.

Does it hurt?
Getting a pap smear does not hurt. The speculum, which opens the vagina, may be slightly uncomfortable. You should try to relax, If you tighten up your muscles, you may cause yourself to be more uncomfortable than you should be.

Is it embarassing?
Obviously, you will feel self concious during your first visit, I was. But remember the doctor does this all day, every day and he/she has seen it all. If you have a male doctor, then a female nurse will be in the room. This is a rule all doctors must follow. If not the female doctor may be alone with you in the exam room.

Will the doctor comment on anything "down there"?
Unless they notice something obvious like extreme redness or leisons, they do not comment, at least my doctors never did.

What will they test for?
First, they'll take you height, weight and blood pressure.
Then the Pap test will be used to screen for cell abnormalities.
Last, the breast exam will just be to feel for lumps or breast abnormalities.

Mamograms are not neccesary until around age 40-50. You're cool for now.

So, just relax and remember, we're all in the same boat and the doctor is there to help you. Ask all the questions you want and if youre really nervous, then just tell the doctor, they will ease your worries.
Hope this helps you out.

i am also 19 yrs old. can we share some experience? i also have some problems. maybe we can share? do u mine? please email me at ain_amani87yahoo.com