Once a young woman reaches her teens, it’s time to schedule a visit to the gynecologist. The trip can be a bit daunting for a first-time visitor, but the surest way to alleviate your concerns is to learn what to expect. With personalized, compassionate gynecological care, Advanced OB-GYN Services of St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO, is proud to make your initial visit a breeze.

What to Expect at Your First OB-GYN Visit

During the first appointment, expect to discuss your medical history, personal history, and sexual health. While these questions may seem a bit personal, it’s crucial to be as upfront as possible. As a patient, you should also ask any questions you may have. After all, this appointment is about you and your health.

There are many different gynecological exams you may experience during your visit. The tests performed will depend on a variety of factors, from your age to your sexual history and health. However, you can rest assured any exams will be discussed in detail beforehand. Below are just a few to be prepared for.

Physical Exam

Your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight are usually taken at your first visit to the gynecologist. These aspects of your overall physical health can have a significant effect on your reproductive health.

Breast Exam

While an OB-GYN will show you how to perform self-exams to check for lumps on a regular basis, your doctor will also perform a breast exam during your annual visit. This is one of the best ways to check for suspicious growths.

Pelvic Exam

This examination is usually only performed once you are sexually active, unless you are experiencing symptoms of an infection. A pelvic exam allows your gynecologist to take a closer look at the vagina and assess the health of your cervix and ovaries. While this part of the appointment can be a bit uncomfortable, it should never be painful.

Pap Test

During your pelvic examination, your gynecologist may scrape a few cells from the cervix with a specialized instrument. For a pap test, collected cells are sent to a laboratory to check for abnormalities or precancerous symptoms.

To schedule your first gynecological visit, turn to the caring team at Advanced OB-GYN Services. You can schedule an appointment by calling their St. Peters, MO, office at (636) 928-1800 or the Bridgeton, MO, office at (314) 291-2140. You can also book an appointment online.