Vagina.
I said it once, and I’ll say it again…. vagina. Vagina, vagina, vagina.
It’s the proper yet very, very uncomfortable term to use when referring to a lady’s no-no square. And, if you’re anything like me, you tend to avoid saying “vagina”, and would much rather use premature terms like hoo-ha or lady bits–but not because you’re afraid of using the word vagina. People like us like to avoid it because the term “vagina” sort of sounds like the name of a plague, and something that we would very much like to avoid.
Are you uncomfortable yet? Well, keep on reading sista-frand!
One word, five syllables: Gynecologist.
If this word is completely foreign to you, have no fear–I’ll explain everything.
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in everything that has to do with your vagina and more. Some of the services they’re capable of providing include examining the lumps in your breasts to swabbing for cells inside your private island, a.k.a your cervix, the narrow entryway between the vagina and the uterus. These check-ups can help detect abnormal changes and potentially prevent cancerous cells from making a home out of you. But remember that early detection of illnesses and diseases aren’t a gyno’s only specialty!
Experiencing agonizing cramps, being sexually active, or wanting to know more about pregnancy prevention and birth control are just some of the other reasons females go to the gynecologist. You should start seeing your gyno at least once every year when you turn 18, or whenever you start being sexually active.
Sounds simple enough, right?! Well…almost simple enough…here’s the catch.
These days, not many college girls or girls in general have ever gone to a gynecologists because of horror stories they’ve searched on Google or heard about from friends. So, if your bestie ever calls you freaking out because her mom forced her to go to the gyno and she complains how awful and painful it was, then remember this: she’s either lying or her va-jay-jay is undergoing some common, but nevertheless, problematic difficulties.
No worries though–she’ll be alright, and you will be too!
First and foremost, your annual visit to the gynecologist should never consist of pain. A little bit of discomfort yes, but if you experience intense pain during a visit, inform your doctor immediately. Having any type of sharp pain could be because something is wrong–and in that case you should somewhat feel a sense of relief because you’re in the right hands…pun fully intended.
If you’re a lady who claims you aren’t scared of seeing a gynecologist, but still have yet to make an appointment with one, then let me guess why you haven’t ventured out to the doc’s! You probably aren’t the least bit nervous about the thought of going to a gyno because you feel like your sacred temple is in perfect condition–so why waste your time, right? Wrong.
You can keep convincing yourself that your vulva (your female reproductive organ that covers the entrance to the vagina) and all it’s residents are in impeccable shape, or you can do the right thing and make an appointment with a gyno and find out for sure. For all you know, you are perfectly perfect just like you thought–but wouldn’t it be better to know definitely?
About two years ago, I went to the gynecologist for the first time. Most of my friends were older than me, and they had never been to the gynecologist so I wondered why the heck I had to go if they didn’t have to! But, the more I thought about it, the more I became with content with the idea of the appointment–up until the day I actually had to go.
I was terrified, exceedingly nauseous, and encountered a relentless case of the shakes. I had no idea what to expect. I was completely overwhelmed with the vigorous, yet pessimistic thoughts of the torture that I had convinced myself I was going to endure that day. But to my surprise and luck, my visit consisted only of a conversation in my doctor’s office.
Though I was lucky that time, I knew that my second encounter wouldn’t be so easy. The next appointment with the gyno was going to include the annual gynecological exam–and knowing this really didn’t make me less anxious…if anything, it made me more anxious.
If you’re feeling the same way about your first gynecological exam, here’s a brief rundown of what these exams consists of: questions concerning sexual history and menstrual cycle, a breast exam to check for and irregularities in the breast tissue, and a pelvic exam in which the doctor inspects the interior (collects cervical cells to check for abnormalities; Pap smear) and exterior (checks for signs of irritation, infection, or sores) genitalia.
Shortly after being escorted to a room, my doctor came in, and the nausea and nervousness I felt from the first appointment returned. He picked up a metal contraption that later I found out was formally named a speculum, an instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina. It was very intimating, and looked like it came straight from the set of Saw IV. It’s safe to say I was scared, and it’s also safe to say my doc caught onto my fear.
So, he started asking me about school, and my classes and major, and before I could even tell him what I courses I was taking, he was removing his gloves. I was shocked; there was no way he could be done. That wasn’t nearly as painful as I thought it would be–of course I was a little uncomfortable, but I didn’t feel any actual pain whatsoever!
I was so relieved.
With a smirk on his face, my doctor told me, “We should have your results within a week or so and we’ll call if we see anything abnormal. Looks like your good to go.” It was over already?! That wasn’t bad at all.
Don’t let your uncertainty hold you back from scheduling an appointment that is necessary to maintain your well-being. Getting a yearly gynecological exam is a significant factor to sustain reproductive health. There are zero negative effects resulting from a visit to the gynecologist. Prioritize your health over your apprehension
If you’re still freaking out about making an appointment, check out these fast-facts to ensure your comfort and confidence when heading to the gyno for the first time!
1. You get to choose whether you have a male gynecologist or a female. It’s perfectly normal to have either. It’s all about preference.
2. If you make an appointment with one doctor, and he/she doesn’t make you as comfortable as you would like, then keep looking! They wont be offended, I promise. Do what makes you the most comfortable.
3. Although the horror stories aren’t true, there’s only one way for you to find out for sure. Make your appointment; your vagina will thank you. There’s nothing to be afraid of!
4. No need to groom if you don’t want to, honey. Don’t be self-conscious about how your lady bits appear (physically, or grooming wise). Trust me on this one, your doctor has seen way worse. They do this for a living, remember?
I hope I’ve alleviated at least some of your fears now that you know what to expect. If you want to learn more about gynecologists or what to expect on your first visit, checkout these sites:
College for Women: The First Gynecological Experience!
A Rundown of Your First Gyno Experience (for teens!)
Women’s Health Magazine: Gyno 101!
Seventeen Magazine: Things Your Gyno Should Never Do During An Appointment
Seventeen Magazine: Things Your Gyno Wishes You’d Stop Doing
Moral of the story? Don’t lose sleep over cold gel!
You got this girl!
#VaginaPower