Gynecological Examination

Women having their very first gynecological exam often feel more nervous and anxious simply because they don't know what to expect or how the exam will go. This is a common source of stress — many women lie awake the night before, or repeatedly reschedule their appointment out of nervousness.

A gynecological examination — that is, an obstetric and gynecological check-up — is something every woman should have routinely throughout her life. Every woman will, at some point, need to visit a gynecologist out of necessity. Since this is both a necessity and a genuine health need, preparing yourself both mentally and physically can help make the experience much easier and less stressful.

There is nothing painful about a gynecological exam. If anything during the exam bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, you can simply tell your doctor, who will make sure to continue in a way that is more comfortable for you.

One common misconception about gynecological exams is that virgins cannot be examined. Virgins can absolutely have a gynecological exam. They typically explain their situation to their doctor beforehand, and the doctor can perform an exam addressing the patient's concern without damaging the hymen.

How a Gynecological Exam Works

Preparing for a Gynecological Exam:

First, if this will be your first gynecological exam, choose a setting where you feel comfortable. It should be a healthcare facility where you can have the kind of open conversation you want with your doctor, without feeling uneasy.

Once you've booked your appointment, here's what to do:

First, if you have any questions you want to ask your doctor, write them down ahead of your appointment.

Be sure to bring along any records of past illnesses or test results from the last 1–2 years, if you have them.

If you remember the date of your last period, and previous ones, be sure to note them.

If you have a concern requiring attention, you can still be examined even while menstruating. Remember, your doctor is well accustomed to this and there is no need to feel embarrassed.

If you have an odor, discharge, or similar complaint, be sure not to use any medication on your own judgment or wash the interior of your vagina before the exam.

An ultrasound examination may also be part of your gynecological visit. For this reason, avoid using the restroom for 1 hour before your appointment.

What Happens During a Gynecological Exam

What we describe here about how a gynecological exam is conducted applies to SoftCare Clinic's women's health services. Other facilities may follow different procedures.

First, your nurse will greet you and will be with you the entire time you're at the clinic, throughout every stage of the exam.

Your nurse will first take you to your doctor's office for an initial conversation. At this stage, you'll simply talk with your doctor and describe your concerns, and your doctor will ask you some questions. You'll have the opportunity to speak privately and one-on-one with your doctor.

During your conversation with your doctor, feel free to ask any questions or concerns you have, without hesitation.

Your doctor will then call in your nurse for the examination stage, and preparation will begin.

Given the importance we place on hygiene and sterility in our clinic, you will be given a single-use examination gown for your visit.

Once you have put on your examination gown, your nurse will again assist you onto the gynecological examination table.

Alongside the gynecological gown, an additional sheet is used to cover your legs. Once you are on the exam table, your nurse will drape this sheet from your legs up to your waist.

Many of our patients don't enjoy being on the examination table. Knowing this, we try never to keep our patients waiting there for long.

Your nurse will then call your doctor, and your doctor will begin the examination.

The gynecological exam begins with your doctor checking the external genital area.

Next, a vaginal (bimanual) exam is used to check the position of your organs and confirm there are no abnormalities.

A vaginal (bimanual) exam is not painful, but your doctor should perform it gently and carefully to ensure patients do not feel uncomfortable.

After the bimanual exam, your doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina, which gently opens the walls to allow a clear view of the cervix and the vaginal canal.

At our clinic, we generally use single-use, sterile-packaged specula rather than standard reusable specula used in surgical settings.

This entirely eliminates the cold sensation a metal speculum can cause, providing a more comfortable exam experience for patients. Naturally, its sterility also provides peace of mind both for your doctor and for you.

During the speculum exam, if deemed necessary, your doctor may collect a swab sample for a "vaginal culture" and Pap Smear testing.

Collecting a swab sample is never painful.

Based on the exam findings or your reported concerns, your gynecologist may request imaging via vaginal ultrasound (transvaginal USG).

In this case, the uterus and surrounding structures will be examined via a vaginal ultrasound — commonly known among women as an internal ultrasound exam.

A vaginal ultrasound uses a vaginal probe attached to the ultrasound machine, which is inserted into the vaginal canal to provide imaging.

A routine gynecological exam follows the stages described here.

You can call us for information about gynecological examination pricing.