Going for a gynecological check-up isn’t something most women look forward to—all the more so since it usually involves awkward conversations and/or putting the feet in the stirrups and having an ice-cold speculum inserted into the vagina. The thought of visiting your OB/GYN for a check-up may cause you to feel some amount of anxiety, but it is worth considering that the appointment itself is a straightforward one and an important part of maintaining your overall health.
To help put your mind at ease especially if this is your first time, check out these tips for both preparing for your visit to your OB/GYN and getting through the process.
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Don’t schedule your appointment around the time of your period.
If you think your OB/GYN visit may involve a pelvic exam, it’s best not to schedule it around the time of your period. Blood can interfere with the results of your Pap smear and other tests. Nonetheless, if the reason for your visit is because you’re having abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, seeing your OB/GYN during your period may be inevitable. It’s best to call your doctor, so you can be sure about what to do.
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Avoid douching.
Albeit vaginal discharge or odors are embarrassing, they can help your OB/GYN understand your exact problem—whether there’s a shift in your vaginal flora and you’re having bacterial or yeast problem. Thus, it’s best to avoid douching prior to your appointment with your OB/GYN. Instead, just rinse your vagina with warm water and mild or unscented feminine wash.
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Abstain from sexual intercourse 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Having sexual intercourse, especially without a condom, a night or two prior to your Pap test does not make the result abnormal, but it can obscure cervical cells and thus render the result inaccurate. While wearing a condom can reduce this risk, friction from it can cause your vaginal canal to get inflamed. Thus, to be safe, abstain from intercourse within two days prior to your appointment. Additionally, avoid using vaginal lubrication products beforehand.
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Prepare a list of questions.
You may feel awkward during your visit, but keep in mind that your doctor has already heard it all many times before. Feel free to ask questions, even the uncomfortable and scare ones. It’s your doctor job to answer them. Your doctor is with you to help—and not judge—and they can only do so if you provide them with all the information they might need. If you feel that this isn’t the case with your OB/GYN, it may be time to work with another one.
First-Rate OB/GYN Services in Syracuse, NY
At University OBGYN Associates, our board-certified OB/GYNs take pride in their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered, and compassionate care for women of all ages in Syracuse and the neighboring areas in New York. You can rest assured that you will be treated with absolute respect and your concerns will be handled promptly and with utmost confidentiality.
To schedule a consultation with one of our OB/GYNs, call us at (315) 464-5162. We look forward to serving you!
