The Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts To Prepare for the Gynecologist
Whether it’s your first time or 20th time at the gynecologist, it’s not really something any of us look forward to. After all, being spread eagle while someone expects your lady parts with a cold instrument in a cold room isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. On top of that, you may be coming into it with some concerns about your gynecological health. This only adds to the anxiety you already are likely feeling. While you can’t (and absolutely shouldn’t) avoid regular check-ups at the gynecologist, there are things you can do to make the experience less stressful. Check out this list before your next visit and make it easier for both you and your gynecologist.
1. Avoid Urinating Just Before Your Appointment
Many of us, when nervous, have the urge to go pee. While you don’t want to be bursting at the seams before your appointment, you don’t want to be completely empty, either. If your doctor needs a urine sample, it is important to avoid using the bathroom just before your appointment. Urine samples may be needed to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), or possible pregnancies. Providing this sample is vital for accurate testing and receiving appropriate treatment if needed. If you think you won’t be able to ‘pee on command’, so to speak, then consider drinking some extra water ahead of your appointment to ensure easy flow of urine.
2. Don’t Have Sex the Night Before
Ideally, avoid it for 24 hours before your appointment. Refraining from sexual activity the night before your gynecological exam ensures a more accurate reproductive health assessment. Sexual activity can temporarily alter the vaginal environment, potentially affecting the results of tests like Pap smears or swab tests. Using condoms doesn’t necessarily help, either. Condoms often have spermicide on them, which can also temporarily alter the vaginal environment. Abstaining allows your doctor to examine your natural state, leading to precise evaluations and recommendations.
3. Reconsider Pelvic Grooming
It is an understandable thing to want to have or not have a certain amount of hair down there before going in for your appointment. I promise you, the gynecologist doesn’t care what amount or lack-there-of of grooming you do. In fact, grooming too soon before your appointment can actually do more harm than good. Over-grooming can cause irritation, small cuts, or other minor injuries, possibly leading to discomfort during your exam. Keeping things natural or avoiding aggressive grooming right before your visit will contribute to a smoother and more beneficial healthcare experience.
4. Avoid Scheduling an Appointment During Your Period
Unless you have specific concerns about your menstrual cycle, it’s best to avoid booking your appointment during your period. Menstrual bleeding can make some tests, like Pap smears, more challenging, and the results might not be as clear. Plus, your reproductive organs might feel more sensitive and uncomfortable during that time of the month. On top of all of that, while in the chair you won’t be able to have any kind of tampon or menstrual cup in. This can make things messy and awkward (for you, not your gyno), and just further increase your anxiety surrounding the appointment.
5. Write Down Your Medical History
Take the time ahead of your appointment to write out your medical history. This way you will have it readily available, rather than having to recall it while your gynecologist is sitting in front of you awaiting your response. Writing it out ahead of time means that you will be less likely to forget anything. Your medical history will help your gynecologist make more accurate assessments about your health and figure out best how to help optimize your sexual health.
6. Write Down Your Questions
A prepared patient is a good patient. On top of writing out your medical history, write down your questions. Whether this is a regular check-up or you are seeing the doctor because of specific concern, write down all of your questions. No question is off the table and you shouldn’t be embarrassed to ask anything. Any gynecologist will tell you, the only ‘bad’ question is the one that doesn’t get asked. So think of every question you have and get them answered. Your health is worth it.
7. Don’t Over-Google
While it is normal to try and do a bit of your own research, don’t overdo it. Having some base knowledge can help you to formulate your question, but it can also cause unnecessary stress and panic. Be aware that not everything you read online is truthful, accurate, or pertinent to you. Your gynecologist is an expert in their field, let them help you with their expertise. If you don’t feel satisfied after your appointment or want to get a second opinion, go get one – but don’t let Google send you into a tailspin, either.
8. Don’t Panic
That brings us to the next point: Try your best not to panic. Many of us experience some pretty heavy anxiety when it comes to medical situations. This anxiety can lead to panic and discomfort. Many of the procedures that the gynecologist will need to perform will go much smoother and be more comfortable for you if you can stay relaxed. Perhaps consider practising some deep breathing exercises and other calming techniques before you go. This way you will be able to stay calm throughout the process and have a better experience.
9. Do Not Go It Alone
As adults we somehow think that we have to do everything by ourselves. If you are experiencing anxiety about your upcoming gynecologist appointment, ask someone to go with you. Your mom, your sister, your friend, your partner – it doesn’t matter who. Preferably, this is a person who is a calming influence for you, is a good listener, and who makes you feel supported. While they may not necessarily be able to come into the room with you (this will depend on your gynecologist and the procedure being done), they can accompany you in the waiting room, helping you to stay calm. Afterwards you can then debrief and discuss the appointment with them, which can also help ease your stress.
10. Don’t Hide Symptoms
Experiencing symptoms, however mild, can be scary. Some symptoms can also be embarrassing or difficult to talk about. Finally, you may think some symptoms, more general ones like fatigue, nausea, headache, may not apply. I am here to tell you that none of this is true. No symptoms are off the table. Your gynecologist has likely seen and heard it all; they are not there to judge you, rather, to help you. If you don’t tell them about some symptoms you are experiencing, it can cause them to miss something important, misdiagnose you, and not get you the help you need.
The Bottom Line
Going to the gyno is not anyone’s idea of a good time, but it is a necessary thing all women must do for their health. Being well prepared for your appointment will make things easier for you as well as your practitioner. Preparation leads to ease of inspection, investigation, and diagnosis. So the next time you have a gynegologist appointment coming up, take a deep breath in and follow the items outlined in this list. Your health depends on it.
