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Gynocologist? |
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Lauren (12-14) asks...
My mom said I need to see a gynocologist. What is one and what will he/she
do? |
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Lauren:
A
gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in the administration of health care
to women. They are particularly concerned with the reproductive system.
Sometimes visiting the gynecologist can be a bit uncomfortable, but there
is nothing to be scared about. When you go for your visit, a nurse practitioner
will take down all your personal medical information. She will check your
height, weight, blood pressure. She will also prick your finger to get a small
sample of blood to check if you are anemic (if your blood is low in iron). You
will need to give a urine sample...you do this at the office. When you get
ready for the actual exam, the nurse will tell you to remove your clothing and
dress in the sheets that they provide for you. (Bring magazines with you from
the waiting room -- it helps to pass the time). The nurse will stay with you
during the exam.
The doctors are very professional and will talk to
you about everything they are doing throughout the exam. The first thing they
will do is give you a breast exam. They are looking for any disfigurement in
the breast and any lumps in the breast. They will explain the importance of
giving yourself a self-exam every month. They will teach you how to do
this.
During the pelvic exam, you will lay down on your back and place
your feet in the "stirrups". In order to do a pap smear test (which checks for
any abnormalities in your cervical cells) they must get a sample of the cells
from your cervix. To do this, the doctor will need to insert a swab to collect
the cells from the cervix. This does not hurt -- it is a little uncomfortable
-- but it does not hurt. After the pap smear, the doctor will check your
ovaries and uterus to make sure everything is normal. They do this by inserting
a finger and pressing down on your lower abdomen. Again, this does not hurt but
it is a little uncomfortable. The doctor will talk to you the entire time, and
will tell you everything he/she is doing. The nurse will also remain by your
side.
Sometimes it can feel a little embarrassing, but it is a normal
yearly exam and there is nothing to be worried about. After you get dressed,
the doctor will speak to you in his/her office. This is the perfect time to ask
any questions about things you are concerned with. |
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Credit: J.
Geoff Malta, MA, EdM, NCC Adolescent Therapist
Puberty 101 Archives |
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