14 December 2023
Are you struggling with symptoms that just won’t go with over-the-counter treatments, or are you planning a pregnancy and wish to check your fertility? Or perhaps you want to book in for your first Wellwoman checkup?
It is absolutely normal to feel nervous, embarrassed or worried when you book your appointment with the Gynaecologist. So here is a quick guide explaining what really happens during the consultation, what you might feel and some tips to feel calmer:
Make sure you arrive 10 minutes earlier so that you don’t feel rushed, allowing time to register at Reception and going to the loo if you need it, and so that your consultation does not suffer from shortening and you can have enough time to explain any symptoms in detail and then discuss any questions you may have. If you have any relevant test results, such as blood tests and ultrasound scans, please bring them with you at your appointment, as these are always useful to have a better understanding of your case.
The Consultant Gynaecologist will greet you in a consultation room where you will sit at an office table and explain what has brought you here and any specific concerns you would like to discuss. Do not worry if you feel like you are unable to explain or if you “freeze,” as the Gynaecologist understands how nervous many can feel and will start asking general questions that will help understand your health and identify any areas that require testing.
Depending on your age and the reason for your appointment, the Gynaecologist will explain whether you need a Pelvic/Gynaecological examination (a physical exam of the female genital area both outside and inside) or not, and whether your case requires further investigations, such as a pelvic transvaginal or abdominal Ultrasound scan or laboratory tests. If you are attending for a Contraception consultation, you might not require a pelvic examination, unless you also have symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, discharge or pain or unless you are planning on a coil/IUD.. Although the pelvic examination is not painful, it can feel embarrassing. If you are coming in to understand why you have pelvic pain or pain during sex, the examination may recreate that pain slightly and only temporarily, and this will aid the Gynaecologist to assess the underlying causes of your abnormal symptoms. If you tell her that you don’t feel like having an examination, your Gynaecologist will certainly respect your needs. You can surely also ask the Gynaecologist to stop at any time.
A small speculum, which has the thickness of a tampon, is sometimes used to allow your Gynaecologist to assess the cervix and any abnormal discharge or lesions. A Cervical smear is usually offered from age 24, based on international guidelines, and will be even less uncomfortable than the pelvic examination itself. You can find more details about this at https://www.london-gynaecologist.co.uk/en/blog-english/is-the-cervical-smear-painful
Starting from age 24, a Breast check is recommended to check for breast lumps. This requires removing the bra and top in order to examine the breasts, nipples and armpit areas. The breast check is less useful above age 35, as the breasts become dense and difficult to assess properly otherwise, and this is when a Breast Ultrasound can be a useful screening tool.
A pelvic transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound scan is usually done as last and involves inserting a slim sterile vaginal probe with water-based lubricant into the vagina that will assess the womb (uterus) and ovaries.
At the end of the examination the Gynaecologist will hand out dry wipes and leave you to get dressed. And last, but definitely not least, you will join the Gynaecologist back at the office table, where she will explain her findings of your examination, any tests or treatment she advises in your specific case.
Should you have any question, or if you feel worried about having a pelvic examination or using a speculum due to previous negative experiences, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Frontino at info@drgiadafrontino.com so that she can help you have a comfortable and easy checkup.