If you an otherwise healthy female, getting established for routine care, it’s not too bad. I’ve seen a few different gyns throughout the years. The doctors had slightly different exam guidelines. Some had me provide a urine sample. Most of the time (1) it was basic vitals (weight, blood pressure, pulse, sometimes O2/ heart rate, temperature) (2) Nurse does a quick recap of any medications and medical conditions. She gives you a cloth or disposable gown with a sheet to cover your legs. Asks you to undress, gown opening in front. (3) Doctor comes in to do a brief hello, verify medications, reason for visit, discuss contraception and STD prevention. If doctor is male, nurse will come in to assist and offer moral support during exam. (4) doctor may or may not listen to lungs and heart, check neck glands (especially thyroid). Breast exam is next, sometimes follow by palpating the abdomen (liver, spleen, gall bladder, etc.) Next up is the pelvic exam. They do a quick visual check of genitals, then speculum exam, slight moment of discomfort for some while they do Pap smear. They remove speculum and do bimanual exam to check uterus and ovaries. I’ve only had one doctor ever do a digital rectal exam.
Gyns so this so often that it’s like clock work to them. Unless there is cause for concern, it’s no more than 15 min.
If you have a history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood clotting disorders or thyroid problems in your family (Hashimotos disease and hypothyroidism being predominate), PLEASE make sure the doctor is aware. If any medication is prescribed, I’d encourage you to say, I take the following supplements and medications. Will this new medication be a concern. We assume our doctors are carefully checking for drug interactions, but I’ve had several issues with doctors not reading the list you spent 5 minutes going over with the nurse or double checking drug allergies.
Also, if you don’t already do so, start charting your cycles. Put a note on your calendar phone first day of flow for each cycle. Knowing day 1 of your cycle will help them determine how regular your cycles really are. For years, I never paid attention. I had cycles every calendar month, so didn’t think much of. When I finally started truly marking day 1 on calendar and tracked for 6 months, doctors realized I was irregular (cycles between 21 and 40 days). Lead to discovery of a very common condition called PCOS. Cycle tracking allowed me to point out the erratic pattern, other wise who knows how long it would have been before someone caught the issue. (Not a disorder to panic about, just good for gyns to monitor, to ensure it is kept in check.)
It’s very normal to be anxious, especially the first time. If you have more questions or just need someone to help calm your nerves, please don’t hesitate to message me. Due to PCOS and endometriosis, I’ve been to my fair share of OB/GYNs. Happy to be a source of support and encouragement for women who are taking a proactive step in an incredibly important part of their physical health.