Make your next gyno appointment less awkward 💅

Breathe in...count to ten...and breathe out.

Feeling better? Going to the gyno can feel freaky, especially if you're going for the first time, but we promise it doesn't have to be.  “Hi, I’m a total stranger in a white coat who’s going to make you sit in the world’s weirdest, most vulnerable position while I look into a part of your body that you yourself have probably never fully seen unless you live in a crazy house full of mirrors!  Here is my co-pay and a bunch of pamphlets.”

If you have a doctor you like, they’ll do their best to make you feel comfortable.  All of us go through this.  Learn what to expect at visits, make a list of your questions, and bring a buddy if you’re nervous.

And whatever you do: Don't forget to breathe!

What to expect

When you go to the gyno for a check-up, she'll do a lot of the same things as other docs: Take your height, weight, and blood pressure and ask you questions about diet, exercise, and medical history. She might do a general physical exam as well.

Then, she'll have you undress, put on a hospital gown (that charming wardrobe staple that is equally unflattering on every human woman), and lay on a table. If you're due for a pelvic exam and pap smear, she'll do that; she'll also give you a breast exam.

Speak up

Your doc should give you tons of opportunity to talk about anything that's been bugging you. Don't be afraid to speak up—this is your time, and everything you say in the doctor's office is totally private. A good doctor isn’t there to judge you, she’s there to go, “Oh wow, that sucks that you have a weird wart the size of a peanut M&M next to your labia.  That information will literally never leave my office and also maybe let me help you get rid of it.”   

Questions your doc will ask

Your gyno will ask you basic health questions, like your diet, exercise, and medical history. She'll also ask you questions specific to your lady business: When you had your first period, when you had your last period, and whether you've had any problems down there.

If you're having sex, your doc will ask questions about your sex life so she can understand your health situation. She might ask you whether your have one or multiple partners, your partners' gender, and what kinds of protection you use.  It’s personal, but remember that she’s not some lady you met in a parking lot who’s going to post about your sex life on Twitter.  She’s a trained professional and the more she knows about you, the more she can help.  (Also, she has to ask everyone this so if there’s anything you feel weird about, remember that she’s probably met five to ten other people this week doing the same exact thing. The more upfront you are, the more she can help you.  And the sooner you can get out of that hospital gown and into something that doesn’t look like a giant superhero cape made of a napkin.)

Go you, going to the Gyno! Glow is so proud!