{"id":1443,"date":"2022-04-08T10:12:16","date_gmt":"2022-04-08T10:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/?p=1443"},"modified":"2026-04-29T17:38:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T17:38:31","slug":"what-to-expect-at-your-first-gynecologist-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/patient-resources\/blog\/what-to-expect-at-your-first-gynecologist-appointment\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect at Your First Gynecologist Visit | Doral Beach Gynecology"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before their first OBGYN appointment, most girls and women feel nervous and anxious which is quite normal. You do not know what to expect during the first appointment, and there is discomfort and fear of the unknown. Whether you want to find out for yourself what awaits you at the appointment or you are a parent who wants to prepare your daughter and yourself for this moment, we provide answers to all these questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, there are many excellent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/services\/gynecologist-doral-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional gynecological services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Miami, and there is no reason to worry because you will receive good advice and treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>When Is the Right Time for the First Gynecology Appointment?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend that you make your first visit to a gynecologist between 13 and 17.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The earlier in life you go to the gynecologist, the sooner it will become second nature. It will become natural for you to turn to your doctor for advice and do annual exams without pressure and nervousness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many women think that they should visit a gynecologist for the first time when they become sexually active or have some health problems. They often delay a visit out of fear or discomfort. No need to worry! The gynecologist will answer all your questions. They will be completely discreet, confidential and will explain everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment.jpg\" alt=\"Woman at Gynecologist Office Sitting and Waiting for a Doctor With Test Results\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/When-Is-the-Right-Time-for-the-First-Gynecology-Appointment.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How to Prepare for the First Visit to the Gynecologist?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable and worried, and it\u2019s okay to share your concerns with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you go for your appointment with a gynecologist, consult and seek support from a friend, parent, or partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to know exactly when your menstrual period started and when it ended, as well as how it went because it is important to your doctor. That is why it is good to mark the first day of the menstrual cycle in the calendar and keep records of it always.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, it would be best to make a list of questions for your gynecologist before the first examination:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What tests await me?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the examination painful?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often should tests be repeated?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a pap smear, and will I have it?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the annual exam?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is necessary to tell the doctor if there are irregular menstrual cycles, and your gynecologist will know what kind of test do you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many girls and women worry about whether they should shave &#8220;down there&#8221; before an appointment with a gynecologist. Your health is important to your gynecologist, and whether or not to shave is a matter of personal choice. Pubic hair is not a problem during examinations and tests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, some things should be avoided a day or two before any gynecological examination, as they can change the vaginal flora and the outcome and result of gynecological tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to ask your expert beforehand about the use of tampons, shampoos, creams, and even intercourse before your first appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Who Is a Gynecologist?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An obstetrician-gynecologist or OBGYN is a doctor who specializes and trains in the field of women&#8217;s health. They are the doctors who check your gynecological health and also your general health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They will do everything to make the first meeting easier and more pleasant and will dedicate themself to you professionally, responsibly, and with understanding. So, if you&#8217;re in the Miami area, you can always contact us at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doral Beach Gynecology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ask us anything that interests and worries you before your first gynecology appointment. We will do our best to guide you, help you and eliminate any doubts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Does a Gynecologist Do on Your First Appointment?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you visit your gynecologist for the first time, you might just end up talking. The gynecologist will explain to you what your examinations will look like in the future and will schedule your next appointment. Based on the interview, the doctor will assess whether it may be necessary to perform examinations and tests immediately or if he will do that at one of the next appointments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t feel uncomfortable if they ask you questions:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About your family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About medical history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About your menstrual period (do you have irregular periods, do you have period cramps, do you have heavy and unusual bleeding, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are sexually active and what sexual activities you practice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you use condoms or other types of birth control if you are sexually active<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confidentiality comes first, so there&#8217;s no reason to worry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a teenager and do not feel comfortable talking about all this in front of your parents, the doctor will ask them to leave during this part of the conversation. Of course, the gynecologist will encourage you to take care of your mental health and to consult with people you trust, and most often, they will be your parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Kind of Test Does a Gynecologist Do?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;re probably wondering: What kind of test does a gynecologist do?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will guide you through the types of tests and show you that they are harmless. These examinations serve to improve your health, and your doctor will do everything to ease your discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the first appointment, the gynecologist will usually perform these tests:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General physical exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">External genital exam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you have problems, pain, irregular menstrual cycle, unusual bleeding, itching, altered vaginal secretions, etc., the doctor will also perform a pelvic exam and pap test.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these examinations are part of the annual exam, but your gynecologist may also perform a breast examination, which is very important for your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>General Physical Exam<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The general physical exam includes checking your height and weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, and if necessary, the doctor will have you do a blood test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The conversation with the gynecologist we talked about is part of this exam. If you are sexually active and suspect a sexually transmitted infection or disease, your gynecologist will also perform tests for certain STIs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should not feel uncomfortable talking about sex with your gynecologist. It is their job to talk to women about it and to point out the importance of sexual health. Therefore, be free to answer questions and ask anything that interests you. You are in the right place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do not want to be alone during the tests, you can always be accompanied by a parent or nurse as support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>External Genital Exam<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this test, the gynecologist will examine your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vulva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vulva<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is the outer part of your genitals, the area around your vagina, and a gynecologist will look at it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also possible that the gynecologist will do the bimanual exam: two lubricated fingers will be placed in your vagina while the other hand will be held on your abdomen. This is how the doctor will check your uterus and ovaries and whether there are any cysts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This exam does not hurt, but it can be uncomfortable for the first time. Rest assured, your gynecologist will do everything to ease your discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Pelvic Exam\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the first gynecological examination, you will probably not have a pelvic exam, but it is necessary if you have some gynecological disorders (itching, heavy period, pain). However, it is part of the annual exam with the pap test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first part of the pelvic exam is the external genital exam, and then the gynecologist observes the vagina and cervix, as well as other internal organs. Of course, your gynecologist has gloves on all the time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Gynecologist Preparing for an Examination Procedure for a Pregnant Woman Sitting on a Gynecological Chair in the Office\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/04\/Pelvic-Exam-1-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Pap Smear?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Pap smear is usually not performed before the age of 21 unless necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it look like? The doctor puts a speculum in your vagina to see the cervix, and with a small brush and spatula, takes a sample of cervical cells for analysis under a microscope.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it is not pleasant, it is not painful, but you should tell your doctor if you feel anything that bothers you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexually active women will usually have a pap smear performed during their annual exams. You must have a pap smear with colposcopy because this is the best way to examine the condition of the vagina. The results of the pap test help both doctors and women to detect harmless infections, but also serious diseases such as cancer in time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should not be afraid of your first gynecological appointment. Your gynecologist is there for you and is open to all your questions. If you already have some concerns, you should not be discouraged from the examination. If you go to the gynecologist preventively, do not be afraid because this is the best way you take care of your reproductive health. Your gynecologist will explain and guide you through each annual test and will be there for you and take care not only of your gynecological but also of your general health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And if you have any more questions feel free to contact us at Doral Beach Gynecology as we are here for all your concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before their first OBGYN appointment, most girls and women feel nervous and anxious which is<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[11,12,9,10,13],"class_list":["post-1443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-first-gynecologist-appointment","tag-annual-exam","tag-first-gynecology-appointment","tag-pap-smear","tag-what-does-a-gynecologist-do","tag-what-kind-of-test-does-a-gynecologist-do"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1443"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1443\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1443"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1443"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}