TeenHealthFX - Answers - Sexually Active & Wondering About A Gyn

Visiting The Doctor / Question
Published: December 3, 1999

Dear TeenHealthFX,

My boyfriend and I recently started having sex. I'm his first and he's my first so it's new for the both of us. I wanted to know what a gynecologist can do for me, and if I should get a check-up. I have not told my parents and am afraid too. We use protection and we're really safe about everything. I just had my period and I know I am not pregnant. Could you let me know about going to the doctors though? Thanks a lot!!!

Signed: Sexually Active & Wondering About A Gyn

Dear Sexually Active & Wondering About A Gyn,

TeenHealthFX is glad to hear you are not pregnant and that you are having safer sex, hopefully using condoms and another method of birth control! You definitely should go for a gynecological (gyn) exam, too.

Doctor's agree
Once you become sexually active or reach 18 years of age, it is important to have a yearly gynecological exam. Some women need a gyn exam more frequently if they are experiencing problems with their menstrual cycles, have concerns about sexually transmitted disease (STD) or think that they may be pregnant.

The First Appointment?

It's a good idea to let the secretary know that this is your first gyn exam. Be sure to let them know if you prefer a male or female examiner. Also, it is important not to have sex, use vaginal creams or douche for 24 hours before the exam.

The Exam? (3 parts)

The medical provider or health care provider will begin by taking a medical history. This is a series of questions that gives you the opportunity to discuss your medical concerns as well as discuss past medical problems and any medications used. Your height, weight, blood pressure and respiratory rate will be taken as well as a temperature and a sample of your urine, if indicated, based on your concerns. Then, you will be given some privacy so that you can undress and change into a gown.

The medical practitioner will explain the steps of the exam and will ask you to lie down on the exam table facing up. He/she will then do an examination of your breasts in order to check for any abnormalities and to teach you how to do a breast self exam for breast cancer. Although breast cancer is rare in teens it is important to get into the habit of doing a monthly breast self exam.
Next you will be asked to move down to the end of the table and place your feet in stirrups (foot holders). The health care provider will ask you to bend your knees and let them fall to each side allowing your legs to spread apart. This lets the health care provider to look at the outside of your vagina. After this, the medical practitioner will do the speculum exam. A speculum (an instrument made of metal or plastic) will be inserted into the vagina and gently opened, allowing your doctor to see your vagina and cervix (the opening to your uterus). This should not hurt. If you feel pain, be sure to let the health care provider know. Next your doctor may do a PAP smear, Although most teenage females have normal PAP smears, this test can detect early changes of the cervix before they become cancerous. The PAP test is done when the medical provider takes some cells from your cervix using a tiny wooden stick and a special tiny brush. If you are having sex, your health care provider will take another sample from the cervix to check for STDs. When all of these samples have been taken, the speculum is closed and gently taken out.
The last part is called the Bimanual exam. During this part of the exam, the health care provider inserts one or two gloved, lubricated finger into your vagina and uses the other hand to gently apply pressure to the lower part of your belly. The doctor is feeling your internal organs including your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. You may feel slight discomfort or pressure when he/she presses in certain places, but it should not hurt. If you do feel pain, it is important to tell your health care provider.
This is not always performed, but sometimes your health care provider will do a rectal exam. The person doing the exam will insert one gloved finger into your anus (the opening where bowel movements leave your body). The doctor is looking for any abnormalities or blood in the bowel movement. If you relax it should not be uncomfortable.

The physical exam is over, your health care provider will answer any questions you have and will discuss any medications you may need along with how to get the results of the exam and when to make your next appointment. Remember, do not forget to go back and get your results because they are important!

As far as you talking to your parents about being sexually active goes, that is a personal decision and one that you should think through. You still need to have a gynecological exam. You can schedule this at your local teen health center. Most towns have centers that see teenagers for sexual health reasons without a parent's consent and on a reduced or no cost basis. If you live in Northern New Jersey and want to go to a teen health center, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.5199.

Signed: TeenHealthFX