There are many similarities to other medical office visits, and it all starts with a warm welcome in the office area.

After we introduce ourselves, we will ask you a series of questions to fill out your medical history with questions about personal information, illnesses in your family members, mom, dad, grandparents, and siblings.

 

Then about information about illnesses or surgeries in your past.

Unlike other medical specialties, asking about gynecological and pregnancy history will be indispensable in consultation with a gynecologist.

Perhaps the four most uncomfortable questions may be:

• At what age did you have your first menstrual period?
• At what age did you start having sex?
• How many sexual partners have you had?
• How do you avoid pregnancy?

Answering these questions with the spouse or mother present could be an awkward situation. This is one of the reasons why it is sometimes preferable to go through the first consultation alone.

These questions will not be repeated in the following consultations.

Next, we will ask and listen to your ailments or concerns that are the reason for the consultation.

Now comes another tense moment at the first consultation with the gynecologist.

Physical examination

It is necessary, and although sometimes it can be omitted, at some point it will have to happen.

This is done in a special area assigned for this purpose.

The area of physical exploration

• For the physical examination, it is necessary to remove clothing.
• There is a designated area for you to remove your clothes, including your intimate apparel.
• We will provide you with a disposable gown to cover you during the physical examination.

At first, we are all embarrassed to take off all our clothes in front of someone. For what it’s worth to tell you: “Try to be calm. I’m a professional doctor. We will keep it as brief and careful as possible.”

Each patient is different. Each patient has different needs, so the physical examination will be focused on the area that needs to be checked, whether it is the abdomen, breasts, or genitals.

GENITAL REVISION

On the gynecological examination table, we will place you in the appropriate position to make a visual inspection of the outside and inside of your vagina with the use of a vaginal mirror. Under the magnified vision of a colposcope, we will review the characteristics of the mucus or secretions, vaginal and take the sample for Papanicolaou and finish the vaginal exploration.

Another anguish about the first consultation with the gynecologist.

1. A vaginal or digital examination is not always performed. only in certain situations.
2. Once the physical examination is finished, the patient gets dressed again, and we return to the consultation area.
3. Back in the consultation area in front of the desk, the physical examination is discussed, all the patient’s questions are answered, recommendations are given, and medical treatment is proposed or other complementary studies such as ultrasound, laboratories, and others are requested.
4. The next review is scheduled, and it all ends with a farewell in the office area.

It is recommended to see a gynecologist once a year.

In the visits with the gynecologist once a year, cervical cytology can be taken to look for lesions associated with HPV. If the problem is not identified in time, there is a high risk of progression to cervical cancer.

On occasion, or if the practice or patient requests it, we can teach you breast self-examination because it will be something that is discussed at each subsequent visit.

Since this is the first consultation, it is probably an adolescent or young adult.

• Discuss the importance of annual gynecologic follow-up.
• To discuss the topic of sexuality,
• Sexually transmitted diseases and condom use,
• and resolve any doubts.

Another anguish about the first consultation with the gynecologist.

Taking a Pap smear:

The Pap smear is usually performed once a year during the annual visit with the gynecologist to check the cervix and for Human Papilloma Virus lesions, as well as to discuss breast self-examination.

It is recommended to perform the first Pap smear 3 years after the initiation of sexual life and subsequent periodic visits every year.

There are occasions where it is necessary to make revisions every 6 months, and there are also occasions where revisions can be made every 2 or 3 years.

Is it possible to see a gynecologist even if I am not sexually active? Yes.

• In the consultation with the gynecologist, a physical examination is not always performed, and you are asked to remove all your clothes.
• Nor are Pap smears always performed at every visit.
• You can go for a consultation with the gynecologist and take advantage of the opportunity to help solve all your concerns related to women’s health issues.

The Pap smear collection process (results in 2 to 3 weeks due to:

Obtain the sample on the day of the consultation; label the sample; send the sample to histopathology -Receive results from Histopathology -Check results against each patient’s clinical history; -Send an e-mail with the report and instructions.