Visiting The Doctor / Question
Published: December 17, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My girlfriend will soon be going in for her first GYN exam and she is really nervous. What can I say that will make her feel better and what exactly will happen?
Signed: Nervous About First GYN Exam
Dear Nervous About First GYN Exam,
TeenHealthFX is glad to hear that your girlfriend is taking responsibility for her health and going to see a doctor for an exam. It is terrific to hear too that you are supportive of what she has to do and how she feels about it. Good for you!
Just like doing anything you have not yet experienced, going to the gynecologist for the first time can be scary in some ways for just about everyone. But, rest assured there is nothing at all to be frightened of. Most doctors are sensitive to their patient's medical and emotional needs and will do their best to make the patient feel comfortable. Her doctor will examine her, answer any questions she may have and will discuss any medications she may need along with how to get the results of the exam and when to make your next appointment.
For detailed information on this topic, and particularly what she can expect from the doctor at her first visit have a look at our answer to Sexually Active and Wondering About a GYN.
Lastly, you do not mention if you and your girlfriend are sexually active or not, but just in case, please remember that is it important to always practice safer sex by using condoms each and every time you have sexual intercourse or oral sex to protect you both against pregnancy and STDs.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Statistics show that giving a teen a credit card does not teach them to be financially responsible or to encourage self-restraint, but actually promotes a “spend now and deal with the consequences later” mindset.
