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Your First OBGYN Appointment: What Exams Will You Have?

by — Last updated: 2016-01-13 in Women's Health

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All teen girls are recommended to see a gynecologist for the first time by the time they are 15. Think that's scary? It doesn't have to be. Here, we explain what to expect from your very first OBGYN visit.

What Will Happen During Your First Trip To The OBGYN's Office?

It's quite possible that your first gynecology visit won't even involve taking your clothes off! Many OBGYNs like to start with a chat. Be warned: your gynecologist will ask you personal questions about your body and menstruation. You can expect to be asked whether you are or have been sexually active as well. If you're worried that your doctor will share this information with your parents afterwards, make sure to have a talk about what can and cannot be kept confidential so that you will know where you stand. 

Your first OBGYN appointment will probably also involve a general physical exam. That means your gynecologist will check your weight and height, take your blood pressure, and look for general health problems. Your OBGYN will want to examine your breasts to feel for lumps and check your breast development as well. 

You may also have an external physical exam during your first OBGYN visit. Here, the doctor will look at your vulva externally. Unless you are experiencing particular issues, such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, potential sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy, your first OBGYN visit as a teen probably will not involve a pelvic exam. Unless you are sexually active or have special concerns, pelvic exams actually aren't recommended until age 21. 

What Can You Expect From A Pelvic Exam?

If you are going to have a pelvic exam at your first gynecology appointment, that's nothing to be worried about either. Your gynecologist will look at your vulva, check your vagina and cervix — the entrance to the uterus — with a tool called a speculum, and will examine your vagina with a gloved finger. If it is made of metal, the speculum can be heated a little to make you more comfortable during the exam, and its insertion shouldn't hurt — think of it much like inserting a tampon. 

Your pelvic exam will be over before you know it, but do tell your doctor if you are really afraid of it, so they can be especially gentle and make sure to explain all the steps they take as they perform the pelvic exam. 

One final note: should you want your mom, sister, a friend, or a nurse present during the exam, you can ask for that. Should you prefer that nobody else is present while the OBGYN examines you, make sure you let your parents know that you'd rather they don't see your intimate parts in advance.

What Can You Discuss With Your OBGYN?

If you feel comfortable with your OBGYN (which you should, and if you don't you should ask to see another one), they are the ideal person to address questions about your reproductive health to. A gynecologist is the right person to ask about using condoms, the birth control pill, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual activity in general, and even mood swings, acne, or weight gain you think may be related to hormones. Menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, bleeding in between periods, and cramps should also be addressed to a gynecologist. 

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Finally, your gynecologist will bring up the possibility of getting the Gardasil shot. Gardasil is a vaccine that prevents common strains of HPV, the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer. This is now recommended for all 11- and 12 year olds, but if you haven't had it yet, getting it between the ages of 13 and 15 is a good idea.