Gynecological examination: when to do it and how to prepare

How a gynaecological check-up works, how to prepare for it, how often to do it and what to expect.

Follow-up visits are essential both when you notice abnormal symptoms in your body, and to monitor the health of your reproductive system and do prevention. Also, remember that gynecological visits are a moment dedicated to you, during which you can ask questions about your health and habits, resolve doubts and get to know yourself better together with your gynecologist or gynecologist. Approach the gynecological view as an opportunity to discuss with an expert everything related to the menstrual cycle, contraception, sexuality, menopause and everything you need to better manage your life and your health, at every stage of your life.

The gynecological examination can cause embarrassment, we are well aware that undressing is not pleasant and confronting another person on very personal issues can be difficult, it can happen to procrastinate, to postpone the appointment because you feel uncomfortable and you just don't feel like it, don't feel guilty about it, it can be normal. However, remember that the professional or professional who follows you is there to help you, she is not there to judge you, nor to embarrass you. The professional approach is non-judgmental and open to dialogue and listening. If this is not the case, you have the right to change your profession. On Geen, for example, you will only find professionals who care about good communication and who have an empathetic and non-judgmental approach.

In any case, it is good not to postpone and book a visit to a place where you feel safe; the timing of a gynaecological check-up can make a difference in intercepting certain problems.

How to prepare for a gynecological examination

You don't have to worry much before a gynecological examination, the most important thing is to write down your symptoms or any questions you want to ask the professional, so that the visit is as useful as possible for you. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Bring your menstrual calendar: You will be asked when your last period was, at what age you had your menarche (your first period), if the flow is abundant and if your cycle is regular.
  • Previous exams and issues: If you have taken tests, take the reports with you. If you have had specific problems or interventions in the past, please let us know.
  • Reports in previous days: Try to avoid penetrative sexual intercourse 24 hours before the visit and the use of tampons, because they could create micro-injuries, irritations and alterations in the vaginal microbiome. This is especially important if you need to do a PAP test or an HPV test, as it could alter the results.
  • Local therapies and washing: Avoid using topical creams, lubricants and vaginal douches, because they could cause irritation and alterations in the vaginal microbiome, affecting the results of any gynecological tests.
  • Depilation: Go to the appointment as you feel most comfortable. No one will judge you for the appearance of your body or for your aesthetic choices. Your hair will not compromise your health; living the visit peacefully and trusting your doctor will help you to have a better relationship with your body and your health.

Is it possible to go to the visit with your period?

If you are wondering if it is possible to go to the visit with your period, know that many people ask themselves the same question. In principle, yes, you can go to the visit with your period, especially if you have an emergency or if your menstrual flow starts right on the day of the visit but you had not calculated it. Menstrual flow does not hinder an accurate assessment of your gynecological health, on the contrary, it can provide useful information on problems such as abnormal bleeding, intense menstrual cramps or other symptoms related to the cycle.

If the visit is urgent or concerns other problems, such as pelvic pain, suspected infections or other concerns that require immediate attention, there is no reason to postpone the appointment due to menstruation, whoever receives you will be able to handle the situation.

The only time it's best to avoid having your period is if you need to do a PAP test or an HPV test. It is advisable to do the test at least 5 days after the end of the flow days, because menstrual blood may prevent the correct vision of the cervical cells. If you have made an appointment for a Pap test and you notice that your period is coming closer to that day, it is best to reschedule a new appointment.

What to expect: what happens during a gynaecological examination

When you arrive at the clinic for the gynecological examination, the first thing that will happen will be an interview, generally at the desk of the gynecologist or gynecologist. During this interview you will be asked for some information and you can explain the reason for the visit. Afterwards, you can undress; there is usually a separé to make you more comfortable while you get ready, and then you will move to the chair where the check will be carried out. The phases of a visit are as follows:

  1. Anamnesis: The gynecologist will ask you questions about your medical history, your menstrual cycle and, possibly, your family history, such as the presence of cases of breast cancer. If you don't know all the information, don't worry, take what you have with you. This is also the time when you can explain the reason for the visit, which could be a simple periodic check or the presence of special symptoms.
  2. Physical Examination: At this point you can move to the armchair for the visit. The doctor or doctor will check the appearance and condition of the external and then internal genitals. For the external genitals, a direct observation will be made; a speculum, an instrument that dilates the vaginal walls, could be used to visualize the vaginal canal and the uterine cervix. To continue the internal vaginal examination and evaluate the uterus and ovaries, an ultrasound is often used to better observe the internal situation. At no stage of the visit should you feel pain; if you are scared, this is your first visit, you have never had penetrative intercourse, or you already know that you have pain during penetration, talk calmly about it. In this way, those who visit you can evaluate with you if it is appropriate to use certain tools, such as deciding not to perform an internal ultrasound but to opt for an external one. In general, in the absence of problems, the visit is painless.
  3. PAP test: If necessary, during the follow-up visit, the gynecologist or gynecologist may suggest that you perform a PAP test. This test involves inserting a thin swab, with the help of a speculum, inside the vagina to take a small sample of cells from the cervix. The PAP test is essential to prevent cervical cancer and it is recommended that it be performed regularly.
  4. Prescriptions and advice: At the end of the visit, the gynecologist or gynecologist may give you advice, prescribe additional tests or recommend medical prescriptions such as medicines, supplements or, if you have requested it, contraceptives.

When to go for a gynaecological examination and how often.

Even if you don't have any special symptoms or specific needs, it's a good habit to have a gynaecological checkup every year. For a complete evaluation, it is advisable to combine the gynecological examination with the senological examination, including a breast ultrasound from the age of 20 and over and, from the age of 40 onwards, to mammogram. Don't worry, your gynaecologist or gynaecologist will suggest these tests during your follow-up visit.

If, on the other hand, you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, itching, pain during sexual intercourse, irregular cycle, painful or heavy periods, or persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, don't delay. So you can clarify any doubts or identify and deal with any problems. In fact, these symptoms could indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted disease or a pathology of the uterus or ovaries. Only a visit can give you a clear diagnosis and indicate the cure or any additional tests to do.

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