What to expect when you visit the gynaecologist
AS soon as a woman reaches age 21 or becomes sexually active, she is advised to start seeing a gynaecologist and have her Pap smears done. Other reasons include screening for infections, issues with the menstrual cycle and anything that has to do with women’s health. However, some women are often intimidated based on someone else’s experience, or just a fear of baring their privates.
Regardless, obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Anna-Kay Taylor Christmas said a gynae visit and exam, whether for a routine wellness check or for problematic symptoms, is an important aspect of every woman’s life.
“It is crucial for each woman to feel as comfortable as possible when she visits her gynaecologist,” she said.
To help women prepare for their gynae visit, Dr Taylor Christmas outlines some important things that should or shouldn’t happen at a visit.
1. Women should feel comfortable speaking with their doctor, including sharing all symptoms, even if embarrassing. “Be truthful in all your answers, as leaving out information or lying only hinders the doctor’s ability to reach the correct diagnosis,” she said.
2. The doctor should listen to all of your concerns, and you should leave feeling that they have been addressed satisfactorily.
3. You should feel comfortable requesting that a relative or spouse be present during the discussion and examination, and the doctor should allow this if that is what you desire.
4. The examination area should be comfortable and clean.
5. Your doctor may do a thorough physical examination of the entire body, including breasts, especially if this is an annual wellness check.
6. A vaginal examination is usually performed using a speculum (instrument used to visualise inside the vagina), and the hands.
7. Some hospitals, clinics or offices may have a nurse present as a chaperone during the examination.
8. Further tests are often necessary to help confirm a diagnosis and plan treatment.
9. All conversations should remain professional, and personalised sexual comments or innuendoes should be avoided.
10. There should be no caressing or sexualised manipulation of body parts during the exam.
11. If you are uncomfortable about what your doctor is doing or saying during the examination, speak up and say so immediately. If you leave without saying anything, share your concerns with the Medical Council of Jamaica or another medical-licensing body in your jurisdiction. If you believe you were assaulted, immediately report the matter to the police.
