I'm going to let you in on a little secret: getting a gynecological exam is probably the easiest medical appointment you'll ever have. No needles, no drills, no stinging eye drops — just some questions and an exam that's over before you know it. So cast aside those unwarranted fears of specula, "stirrups," and cold hands, and listen up — here's what you need to know.

First Things First

Girls should start getting gynecological exams three years after they become sexually active or reach 21, whichever happens first.  They should also see a health care provider if they have very painful periods or feel any pain in their genital or pelvic area. Always make sure to schedule your appointment for a time when you won't have your period so your provider can get accurate test results. Otherwise, things might get a little messy!

Pay Attention to Your Body

You'll need to do a little homework before you go see your clinician. Think of any problems or questions you might have for her or him — it's even a good idea to write these down! For instance, if you're sexually active or thinking of becoming sexually active, your clinician can help you figure out what method of birth control and sexually transmitted infection prevention would be best for you. Here are some things about birth control you two might want to discuss:

  • Is it affordable?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • How reversible is it?
  • Will it help protect against infections as well as pregnancy?
  • Does it have non-contraceptive benefits?  If so, what are they?

You should also be ready to answer some questions about your health:

  • When was your last period; how often do you have them; and how long do they last?
  • Do you have vaginal discharge or spotting or bleeding between your periods?
  • If you're sexually active, what kind of birth control do you use?
  • Do you experience any pain or bleeding during sex?
  • Have any of the women in your family had gynecological problems?
  • Have you had any other kinds of medical problems?
  • Have you ever been pregnant; do you think you might be pregnant; and are you trying to get pregnant?
  • Have you ever had a sexually transmitted infection; do you think you might have one?

Did you catch that last question? It's important: women who have infections don't always have symptoms, so it's important to tell your clinician if you've had unprotected sex — even if you feel fine. She'll also want to know if you have allergies or if you've had problems with any kind of medications in the past. And don't be surprised if she wants to know if you drink, smoke, or take drugs. Answer her honestly — she's not there to turn you in. She just needs to know the whole story in order to help you stay healthy.

Most health care providers keep their clients' information confidential, but certain providers may not keep teens' information confidential, for one reason or another. Check with your provider about confidentiality policies. Planned Parenthood's policy is to protect client confidentiality to the extent the law allows.

So that about sums up the question and answer part. Now, here's what you can expect from the exam itself:

  • First, your clinician might ask for a urine sample.
  • She'll also measure your weight and blood pressure.
  • Next, she'll check your breasts for any lumps or discharge from your nipples and will ask you if you've noticed anything unusual or experienced any pain. She may show you how to perform a self-breast examination (BSE) that you can do on your own. (It's really uncommon for teenage girls to get breast cancer, but it is a good idea to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can tell your clinician about any changes.

The Pelvic Exam

  • Your clinician will ask you to lie down on the examining table and put your feet in footrests — stirrups — so she can do a pelvic exam.

  • First of all, take a deep breath and relax! Although you're probably not used to strangers poking around down there, she's definitely not going to do anything that will hurt, and the more relaxed you are, the more comfortable you'll be — mentally and physically!

  • You might want to ask her to explain what she's doing before or while she does it. If your health care provider is a man and you feel a little uncomfortable, you can ask a woman to stay with you in the room during your exam.

  • Your clinician will check out your vaginal area for signs of irritation, discharge, warts, or other conditions.

  • Next, she'll use a speculum to hold your vagina open so she can see your cervix. She'll take a look at your cervix for any abnormalities and collect a bit of fluid for a Pap test, to see if the cervix is healthy.

  • She might also test for infections. (You usually have to ask for these tests specifically — you should talk to her first and decide together what kind of tests you should have.)

  • Then, wearing gloves, she'll put one or two fingers in your vagina and press on your abdomen with the other hand. She'll feel your internal organs (the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) to make sure they're free of fibroids, cysts, and tumors, and she'll check the size, shape, and position of your uterus. You'll feel some pressure during this part of the exam, but if you feel tenderness or pain, tell your clinician — this could indicate infection.

  • Finally, your clinician may insert a finger into your rectum to test the condition of your muscles and check for tumors in this area. Again, it's normal to feel a bit of discomfort and pressure, but this should only last a few seconds.

So that's the lowdown on getting a gynecological exam. Just remember to relax, breathe deeply, and ask plenty of questions. It's your clinician's job to make sure you're in good shape down there and to help you learn how to take care of your body in between visits.

Although all these tests might sound complicated, your first gynecological checkup will probably take less time than it took you to read this article.

You did your health homework, now go ace that exam!

Class dismissed!