No matter how many times you go to the gynecologist, it always remains something that can either cause feelings of unease all the way to downright anxiety. To help feel more confident and have a better experience at the gynecologist, there are many things you can do – and things you can avoid – to achieve this. These are your do’s and don’ts for your next visit to the gynecologist’s office. Make sure you share this with all the women in your life.
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.
Your Guide to Preparing for the Gynecologist: 10 Key Dos and Don’ts
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.
Your Guide to Preparing for the Gynecologist: 10 Key Dos and Don’ts
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.
Your Guide to Preparing for the Gynecologist: 10 Key Dos and Don’ts
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.
Your Guide to Preparing for the Gynecologist: 10 Key Dos and Don’ts
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.
Your Guide to Preparing for the Gynecologist: 10 Key Dos and Don’ts
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.
