Going to the gynecologist is a lot like going to brunch with your friends. You share your intimate sexual and personal details and you know you won’t be judged. But, since we all know that we can’t go in expecting mimosas and lox, let’s talk about what the experience is actually like for you and your lady parts.
Part I: The Questions
First, your gynecologist will start off by asking some pretty routine questions about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and your sexual history. While most of the questions you are asked seem pretty standard, there are some questions that may make use more nervous than others. For example:
1. “Are you sexually active?”
At this point, you probably have some clarification questions to ask your gyno. For example, what exactly are you asking? Are you asking if I am currently having sex with someone or if I have had sex in my life? I’m currently in a dry spell, so I’m pretty sure that’s not active, right? It’s more like sexually dormant?
Don’t overthink it. Your gyno is simply trying to see if you could have been exposed to the possibility of STDs or a possible pregnancy. Therefore, feel free to be candid about any activity that you think could put you at risk for either.
2. “How many partners have you had?”
By now, your eye has probably caught a glimpse of the poster on the wall about STD exposure. You know the one that I am talking about. The one that tells you that if you have slept with 5 people it’s really like you have slept with 31. In that moment, trust me, you will think about lying. You will think about doing some gyno math where you take the number of people you have slept with, divide by two, and add one. But just remember, your gyno is only there to help, so it is important to be honest!
Part II: The Tools
After the questions, your gynecologist will most likely show off the tools that he or she will be using to perform the exam. WARNING: These tools look like they were made during the industrial revolution, but don’t panic! They are not nearly as scary as they look. The most commonly used tool is the speculum, which is used so that your gyno can examine your cervix.
Part III: The Examination
Before your gyno begins the examination, he or she will probably use some kind of euphemism for what he or she is going to do. He or she might say, “I’m just going to poke around in there”. To which you may think, excuse me, you are going to do what? What your gyno is actually doing is performing a pelvic exam. This is when he or she looks at your reproductive organs for signs of problems.
After this, the gynecologist may perform a Pap test. This is when he or she uses a tool to remove cells from your cervix to be tested for abnormalities. This is especially important for testing for HPV and early signs of cervical cancer.
Girl to girl, I am going to give it you straight. You will most likely feel like you are being poked and prodded at. And that’s not a great feeling. But what is a great feeling is knowing that you are doing your body a favor and keeping yourself healthy. So go forth, get your examination, and celebrate your lady parts!