Visiting The Doctor / Question
Published: February 5, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
When you go to the gyn, I know they will insert a finger or two but I've also heard that they will insert their whole hand; does that vary on the gyn and/or examination you have? Also, if you haven't had your cherry popped yet, will it happen when the gyn does the examination? If so, is there a way to prevent that from happening?
Signed: More GYN Questions
Dear More GYN Questions,
Going to the gynecologist for the first time can make you nervous and anxious, and getting misinformed can only make those feelings worse. When going to the gynecologist for the first time, your doctor will explain all that he or she does so that you are comfortable and well informed. The doctor will insert a finger or two to check the position of your ovaries and uterus; however they will not insert their hand. The vagina is a narrow canal that can stretch, but not to the width that would allow a hand to enter unless it is during childbirth. For more specifics about a visit to the gynecologist check out First GynoVisit.
Your "cherry" or hymen (a membrane that covers or partially covers the opening to the vagina) can easily be popped by using tampons or from daily physical activities. There really is no way to prevent it from breaking on its own and in some cases it may never break. Keep in mind that the hymen can be stretched many times before it breaks.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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