What Do Gynecologists Do, and What Should You Expect at Your First Gynecologist Appointment?

If you’ve never been to the gynecologist before, you might be nervous to schedule your first appointment, particularly if you don’t think you have any health issues or menstrual irregularities. However, annual exams at the gynecologist are important for maintaining your reproductive health. Aside from annual checkups for things like infections, gynecologists can also perform family planning services, explain birth control options, and provide prenatal care if you get pregnant.

Some women are afraid to go to the gynecologist because they think the physical examination will be too uncomfortable or awkward. The pelvic exam can be particularly intimidating to teenagers who are not sexually active or who have never had a health care provider examine their reproductive organs. However, most women grow comfortable with these exams over time.

Although you might be anxious to schedule your first gynecologist visit, it’s important to prioritize your gynecological health. Seeing a gynecologist before you become sexually active can help your health care provider establish the baseline conditions of your female organs. To help ease your anxiety, here’s what to expect at a typical gynecologist appointment.

What Is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a physician specializing in reproductive health care to women. You may have heard gynecologists referred to as OB/GYNs—the “OB” portion of that acronym stands for obstetrician, and the “GYN” portion stands for gynecologist. Besides women’s health, OB/GYNs can also treat unborn babies, deliver babies, and see patients at postpartum visits. If you’re scheduling an appointment to review your reproductive health, either a gynecologist or a family medicine provider can help you.

Gynecologists treat patients for routine and acute care involving the reproductive system. They can manage health concerns including irregular periods, vaginal discharge, pain during sex, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal infections, menopause, and fertility.

Gynecologists can also prescribe you various birth control methods; perform cancer screenings for reproductive cancers like ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, or cervical cancer; and provide care during pregnancy.

Gynecologists are medical doctors who attend 4 years of medical school before beginning a 4-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. Gynecologists receive surgical training as well as training to prepare them for office visits. Some gynecologists get additional, specialized training in high-risk pregnancies, fetal medicine, or reproductive cancer.

When Should You Go To the Gynecologist?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends most females should start going to the gynecologist for regular medical checkups between the ages of 13 and 15 or when they become sexually active. (1)

Every female should see a gynecologist once a year for an annual exam. Additionally, if you experience any of the following, you should schedule a visit with a gynecologist at once: (2)

• Irregular menstruation
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Issues with fertility
• Pregnancy-related problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Genital infection or irritation
• Defect in genital skin
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Contraception
• Sterilization
• Lumps, pimples, or blisters in the genital area

Gynecologists perform many different kinds of physical exams, including breast exams, Pap tests, and more. Typically, Pap tests (often called Pap smears) are required every 3 years for women aged 21 to 65, breast exams occur every 1–3 years for women aged 20 to 40 and every year for women over 40, and pelvic exams are recommended every 1–3 years. (3,4,5)

First Time? Here’s What To Expect at the Gynecologist

Patients scheduling their first gynecology exam that don’t have any medical issues or concerns can expect the following tests and procedures:

• Urine sample. Before you even see the gynecologist, the office will likely perform urine testing to check for infections or pregnancy.
• Vitals check. Next, a nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure, height, and body weight.
• Medical history. The gynecologist will then typically initiate a discussion about your medical history and any medical concerns you may have. They might ask questions about your sexual preferences and number of partners, any past vaginal infections or pregnancies, and whether you have a family history of reproductive cancers. Although these questions may feel uncomfortable at times, it’s important to be honest with your gynecologist, since your answers help them provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
• Physical exam. Next, your gynecologist will perform a physical exam. You will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown before beginning the exam.

• Urine sample. Before you even see the gynecologist, the office will likely perform urine testing to check for infections or pregnancy.
• Vitals check. Next, a nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure, height, and body weight.
• Medical history. The gynecologist will then typically initiate a discussion about your medical history and any medical concerns you may have. They might ask questions about your sexual preferences and number of partners, any past vaginal infections or pregnancies, and whether you have a family history of reproductive cancers. Although these questions may feel uncomfortable at times, it’s important to be honest with your gynecologist, since your answers help them provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
• Physical exam. Next, your gynecologist will perform a physical exam. You will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown before beginning the exam.

• Your provider might start with a breast exam. During this exam, the gynecologist will put light pressure on each of your breasts to check for lumps. They’ll also visually examine the outside of your breasts, including your nipples and areolas.
• Your doctor will also perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, the doctor will examine your vagina externally for any abnormalities. Next, the doctor will examine your vagina and cervix from the inside by using a speculum, a metal device used to hold the vagina open. The exam may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.
• Next, your gynecologist will probably perform a Pap smear test. In this test, a small brush is used to remove cell samples from the inside of your vagina which are then sent to the lab for testing the presence of cancer or other medical abnormalities.
• Finally, your doctor will perform a bimanual exam. For this exam, the doctor will insert two gloved fingers inside your vagina. They’ll place their other hand on top of your lower abdomen to help them feel the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and the inner lining of the vagina.

• Test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The doctor will also test you for the presence of any sexually transmitted disease if you are sexually active. Your doctor will test for STDs by taking cell samples from the inner wall of vagina or submitting a blood sample to a lab for testing.

Tips Before Going To the Gynecologist

Keep the following tips in mind before going to your first gynecology appointment:

• Be honest. A gynecologist might not be able to properly diagnose you if you’re not honest about your sexual activity, number or type of partners, or past infections.
• Ask questions. A gynecological exam can feel intimate and uncomfortable, and your gynecologist understands this. If you’re unsure what tests are being performed or what procedures are necessary, ask questions during your visit. Gynecology appointments are also a great opportunity to talk about health concerns you might feel uncomfortable talking to your primary care physician about. Gynecologists are used to answering questions about feminine hygiene, vaginal discomfort, pain during sex, the color of period blood, and more.
• Avoid certain things before going to the gynecologist. If possible, avoid sexual activity, vaginal douching, or using tampons for at least 2 days before a gynecological visit. (6) These activities can disrupt your vaginal environment and potentially influence test results.

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