Initial gyno visit for BC?

Question

I feel silly for asking about this. I am 20, planning on going on BC pretty soon but I've never been to the gyno before (I know I should have started going years ago) 😬 So I'm a bit nervous about the pelvic exam and Pap smear and that sort of thing. What exactly do they do for a pelvic exam and does it ever hurt? Another concern I have is the cost of that initial visit - for the exam, std tests they do and everything else. About what was the price range of that visit for yall?? I want to prepare myself and make sure I save enough to not have to worry about it so much.

Answer

I admit I was nervous the first couple times I went as well. Mostly because I am very shy about my body (I don't even own a bathing suit). But if you're nervous about the person you can always do a quick search on reviews of your doctor before you go in. I have moved so often I've actually never had the same doctor more than once but every one has been kind, gentle, fast, and professional.
You will be totally fine. :)
It's honestly very fast and other than the cold lube it's not really that uncomfortable.
You can always call the doctor and ask any questions beforehand (they are used to it) and then Google search anything that you didn't understand or want to know more about.

Answer

Not sure about how much it costs, I've always had insurance and most have a yearly visit covered. 
But addressing how it feels and how to be prepared, I read a couple other people mention discomfort--I have been going to the gyno for years and have never had any pain or discomfort whatsoever durring any exam, pap, tests, or anything within the normal gyno visits. I started my period when I was 8, went to my first gyno visit when I was 16. Didn't have sex until I was 20. So other than tampons I had never had anything up there before or had anyone poking around down there. But it was remarkably fast, the doctors are proffessionals. They literally see vaginas all day.

Answer

I agree with the other ladies.  During the actual pap, I usually feel some pressure and a little bit of a pinch.  But just breathe, focus on your happy place and remember you're taking huge steps in taking care of yourself. Good luck!  Happy thoughts your way!!

Answer

If you're going in without insurance, and it's not an income based pay scale like planned parenthood, call them ahead of time and ask how much it is if you pay in cash. A lot of times you can negotiate the price down if it's cash because they don't have to deal with insurance paperwork and payout delays. The one time I went in uninsured I paid $120 cash, which covered the office visit/exam only. The lab billed me separately for the pap smear, which was $75. When I go in insured, they bill insurance $450 for the visit (no idea what the final payout agreement is though), and I've never had a copay. Obviously costs for anything will vary based on your doctor and insurance.

Answer

I had painful cramps and had to go to the ER. I am 20 and never went to the gyno either ( I know I should've by now and hopefully I will soon lol) but anyways they gave me something called a pelvic exam and I am a virgin and never even used tampon, I'm not sure if that contributes to anything, but omg was it painful. I was literally screaming at the top of my lungs (seriously) it hurt so so bad for me.

Answer

My experience was: check in, fill out paper work, take a pee test, get heart rate/weight, answers a ton of question regarding how you live and family health problems..  Then the actual dr part is stripping down and putting on cloths that pretty much show everything anyway, lol. She checks my heart and neck then gives a breast exam, then lie on my back while she runs around my stomach. The pap smear is painless, just awkward. It feels like you're being fingered and then you feel it around your bladder area. After that, you talk about anything you want.

Also, I had to get a blood test done but I think it was only bc I never had chicken pox and to test for anemia, etc. so you probably won't have to do that.

Cost depends on your insurance. I paid what the copay said on my insurance card, $20. But at my annuals, I've never had to pay anything.. Not sure how that works. Hope this helped!

Initial gyno visit for BC?

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