Spermicides
Spermicides may come in foams, jellies, or films. Spermicidal lubricant may also be used on male condoms. Although many women tolerate spermicide just fine, some women experience vulvovaginal irritation, such as vaginal burning, itching, or pain, when they use spermicidal products. If you experience genital irritation, we recommend asking your healthcare provider for recommendations about birth-control methods that may be a better fit for your vaginal and vulvar health.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING (TO GO
sexual experiences before examining me, took them into consideration with the diagnosis and was so careful when examining me that although my health issues have not [ever] been resolved and probably never will be, that consultation stands out as the most positive doctor’s experience I have ever had. I think all gynaecologists should be trained like she was. I can’t stress enough how much better I felt about my body and my health after seeing her.
—JOSIE, 26, United Kingdom
How Do I Prepare for My Visit?
There is not much that you need to do before you visit the gynecologist other than trying to schedule an appointment during a time when you are not menstruating. Other than that, there are a few things that you should try not to do. You should try to refrain from having unprotected vaginal intercourse for a day or two before your exam. If you douche, it is best not to douche within the week before your appointment. Also, try to stay away from using vaginal wipes, foams, and sprays during the week before your visit. All of these things may make it more difficult to interpret your Pap test results.
What Happens during the Exam?
Prior to meeting with your healthcare provider, you will be asked to fill out a comprehensive medical history. Try not to let shyness or embarrassment get in the way of reporting your sexual or health history. Also, be sure to list all of your genital symptoms (e.g., itching, burning, pain). Providers need accurate information in order to make informed decisions about your health. If this is your first visit, or if you’re nervous or scared, you may want to indicate that on the paperwork or tell the nurse during the initial intake.
Prior to beginning the exam, your healthcare provider will hopefully take some time to talk with you about your history and what you should expect from your visit. This is a great time to ask lots of questions. Some clinics will automatically test you for STIs, while others will not, so be sure to ask.
By asking questions, you will be informed about what is going to happen, and your healthcare provider will have the information necessary to tailor the exam in ways that will maximize your comfort and health. If you feel more comfortable, you can have a family member, friend, or partner stay in the exam room with you.
After answering your questions, your healthcare provider will likely bring you to a private space where you will be provided with a paper or cloth gown to change into. Some gowns are made differently than others, so don’t be afraid to ask how to put it on.
If these have not already been done during the intake, the exam will begin as most doctors’ visits do: measuring your height, weight, blood pressure, etc. Next, the provider will likely begin with a breast exam to look for any tumors. You will probably be asked to lift one hand up as the provider feels for tumors in your breasts. After your breast exam, the provider will likely feel your abdomen for pain or other indications of abnormalities.
Finally, you will be asked to move toward the edge of the exam table and place your feet in stirrups in order to provide an ample view of your vulva and vagina. Your provider will begin by doing an external exam of your genitals in order to check your vulvar skin, examine any discharge, or look for potential abnormalities. Next, your provider will insert a lubricated speculum (it looks a little like a duck’s bill) into your vagina in order to separate the walls of the vagina so that he/she can view your cervix and swab it quickly with a long cotton swab (similar to a Q-tip). This is done to test for cervical changes and may also be used to test for some infections.
This is not painful for most women. If it is for you, make sure to tell your healthcare provider because the solution may be as simple as using a speculum of another size. After your speculum exam, your provider may insert one or two lubricated fingers into your vagina while pressing down on your abdomen. This is done to check for potential issues with your uterus or fallopian tubes. Then, your provider may conduct a rectovaginal exam by inserting a single lubricated finger into your anus and one into your vagina in order to check for tumors behind the rectum or the lower wall of the vagina. After the exam is done, your healthcare provider may ask you to change back into your clothes while he or she leaves the room.
When he or she returns, you may have the chance to talk more about the exam, to ask additional questions, and to further talk about your personal health.
A few tips:
1. If you want to see your vulva and cervix, ask your practitioner to hand you a mirror. It can be fun and informative!
2. If you are nervous during the exam, give your provider a few tips about the best ways to help you relax. Do you want upto-the-minute details on what
he/she is doing? Perhaps you would prefer to be distracted by some small talk? It is best for you, your provider, and your health if you are relaxed, so speak up!
That’s it; all done! Now that wasn’t so bad—was it?