What not to do before a well-woman exam?

Gynecologists don't recommend douching at all because it can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal flora and its natural acidity. Instead, before a pelvic exam, it is recommended to rinse or wash the vagina with just warm water. Also, make sure to avoid using any vaginal creams or foams for 48 hours prior to the exam.


What should you not do before a gynecological exam?

If you're uncomfortable with the thought of a pelvic exam during your period, you can reschedule your appointment. You should avoid some things beforehand. Two days before your Pap test, avoid intercourse, vaginal creams, suppositories, medicine and douches, as these may obscure abnormal cells.

What should I do before a well-woman exam?

How Should I Prepare for a Well-Woman Exam?
  1. Understand What to Expect. ...
  2. Don't Go During a Menstrual Cycle. ...
  3. Bring Someone for Support. ...
  4. Brush up on your medical history. ...
  5. Avoid Sex for 48 Hours. ...
  6. Track Your Menstrual Cycle.


Do I need to shave before seeing a gynecologist?

It's not necessary to shave or wax your vagina before getting a gynecologic exam,” Dr. Ross ensures. “Vaginal grooming is your personal choice. The main consideration on how to prepare for an exam is to simply be clean, so showering or using a vaginal hygiene wipe prior to your visit is suggested.”

What is checked during a well-woman exam?

Well-woman exams usually include three things: a pap smear, a pelvic exam, and a breast exam. These exams are essential as they can catch early signs of cancer or other health problems before they get out of hand. At the time of the appointment, you may also speak with your doctor about other health concerns you have.


What to Expect from a Well Woman Exam



What should you not do before a pap smear?

Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. It's best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.

How long do well woman exams take?

How long will the whole exam take? The physical portion of the exam takes around 10-15 minutes. There is also time before and after the exam to ask and answer any questions you and your health care provider might have.

Is it normal to get wet during a pelvic exam?

There is nothing wrong with you. Your body's natural response of lubrication in this particular case has nothing to do with whether you are aroused by your doctor or the examination itself. Also, some women lubricate more than others and that is normal too.


Can a gynecologist tell the last time?

Most of the time, a doctor can't tell if a girl has had sex just from a pelvic exam (and doctors don't usually give teen girls pelvic exams unless there's a sign of a problem). But you should let your doctor know if you've had sex anyway.

Do doctors care if you have pubic hair?

The truth is that your doctor and their staff do not care if you are clean-shaven or not. They are medical professionals. They know that hair growth is natural and normal. It doesn't hinder their ability to do their job, and it doesn't harm your health.

Should I shave before a Pap smear?

It doesn't take much to prepare for a pap smear. Some women may feel like they need to shave their pubic hair, but it's unnecessary for this test. You should only tackle it if you'll be more comfortable. Your doctor has seen it all, so a little bit of pubic hair won't bother him.


Can I drink coffee before a wellness exam?

4) Don't drink coffee or any caffeinated products

Keep your blood pressure down and avoid caffeine for at least one hour before your exam.

How do I prepare for a gynecologist check up?

How to Prepare for a Visit to the Gynecologist
  1. Don't schedule your appointment during your period. ...
  2. Reconsider pelvic grooming. ...
  3. Don't douche. ...
  4. Don't have sex the night before. ...
  5. Keep track of your cycle. ...
  6. Bring your medical records. ...
  7. Don't be embarrassed. ...
  8. Come prepared with a list of questions.


Is it OK to shower before a Pap smear?

Do not use douche, bubble bath, or use vaginal medicine for three days before Pap test. You may shower, but do not tub bathe 24 hours before the Pap test. Inform your clinician about additional medications/conditions that may interfere with an accurate test.


Should I pee before gyno exam?

Before your first gyno exam, you will be asked to pee in a cup. A simple, in-office urinalysis can help detect any problems you may not be aware of, such as bacteria (indicating a bladder infection) or glucose (suggesting the possibility of diabetes).

Can you have a bath before a smear test?

“On the day of the smear by all means have a shower or a bath, as it will make you feel more confident and less self-conscious. But there is no need to wash more than you normally would, or use anything other than water and unscented soap. Wear clothing that is quick and easy to take off and on.”

What are two things the gynecologist will test for?

Breast exam to check for anything abnormal. Pap smear test to check for cervical cancer. Pelvic exam to check for abnormal lesions or discharges.


Why does the speculum hurt so much?

Why does a speculum hurt so much? Pain may be a sign that your muscles are overly tense or that you have a condition that's making the experience painful. To prevent pain, communicate your concerns and relevant health information to your provider. Let them know at any point if you're experiencing pain.

What can a gynecologist tell from a pelvic exam?

A pelvic exam often is part of a routine physical exam to find possible signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer. Pelvic exams are also commonly performed during pregnancy.

How do you relax during a pelvic exam?

Practice slow, deep breathing. Try to relax your shoulders, your stomach muscles and the muscles between your legs. Your provider should already be describing each step of the exam, but you can ask for more explanation or for them to go more slowly.


What to expect during your first well-woman exam?

During your exam

We check your heart, lungs, blood pressure, heart rate, reflexes, and breasts. If necessary, we may recommend a urine test, blood test, or screening tests to check things like blood sugar or kidney function.

Are labs included in a well-woman exam?

Physical Exam

A women's wellness exam may include an analysis of your urine to check for kidney infections or pregnancy. At other times, the lab will take a blood test to examine your hormone levels.

Can I get a well-woman exam on my period?

Absolutely. It is understandable that some patients feel nervous or embarrassed about having a pelvic exam performed while they are bleeding, but our providers are experienced, professional, and used to performing exams and other tests during menstruation.


What can throw off Pap smear results?

In most cases, an abnormal Pap test is a result of:
  • A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
  • A sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), such as herpes or trichomoniasis.
  • A bacterial or yeast infection.
  • Inflammation in the pelvic area.
  • Normal cellular changes that occur with age.


What can throw off a Pap smear?

Not use vaginal creams, foams, gels, douches or tampons 48 hours (two days) before your Pap smear. These products could cause an abnormal result. Not have sex 48 hours (two days) before your Pap smear. Sex can irritate the skin of the cervix or cause discharge (fluids) that can lead to an abnormal result.