First Ob/gyn appointment terrified

Emilie, you got this! I actually never had friends who had gone to OB/Gyn (or at least never shared with me) before the first time I went. I was super nervous and was planning on getting birth control (either IUD or nexplanon) and my blood pressure ended up measuring REALLY HIGH because of my anxiety.

I just explained to the OB my situation (was also a virgin) and what I wanted. She talked me through my BC options (and explained that very few virgins are able to handle IUD insertions because I hadn't even used tampons). The actual exam was very short and lots of lubricant was used. I don't remember pain, but I do remember pressure and just seem deep breathing helped me through. I ended up getting a nexplanon and my experience was super easy and fast! If you're nervous, just ask them to explain to you the steps they're doing.

I'm also in the medical field so I've personally seen a lot of private parts of both men and women and I never even blink at it anymore. If you just focus on the fact that this is literally their job and yours is no more interesting the other 15 they'll see that day you'll be fine. I agree with someone saying get a mirror and take a look just to know what they'll be seeing. You'll be fine!

Honestly the only part that I don't like is that it's cold in the room! Mine is super sweet, and carries on a normal conversation with me the whole time. It passes by really fast, and you kind of forget why you are there. It will be over before you know it. Get a recommendation from someone you trust (maybe if you willing to share your location somebody here could help?) and let them know you are nervous and it's your first time.

I've never had a bad experience. You're going to be fine!

My first time was ok. It's awkward no matter what during the first appointment. I made sure my doctor was female. Even with my regular doctor I am only comfortable with females. I just am not comfortable with male doctors.

Just try and relax and answer all questions truthfully.

For the exam and papsmear it does create some discomfort, but that goes away. being tense is what makes it worse. some GYNs will try to converse with you to make it less awkward.

Everyone's right, it's not nearly as bad as you think if you've never had one.

One thing I wish my mom or a friend would have told me before my first one is to maybe put a liner or pad in for the day. I had just a tiny bit of spotting (my dr said it's normal for people on the pill, it can make your cervix more sensitive) and maybe its just my dr but they use a decent amount of lube/gel so I've always had leakage from that afterwards.

And definitely ask them to explain what it will be like. I had a vaginal ultrasound this weekend for a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst and I've never had one before, and was not told I would be having one. The tech didn't explain what would happen (even though I was clearly nervous). I would have felt so much more prepared and less anxious if she would have just explained what it would be like, how long it would last, etc. I really regret not pushing to have them explain what and why, but I was loopy from the pain meds and overwhelmed from the other testing and just wasn't thinking clearly enough to ask.