TMI! But what do I ask on my first visit?

I think you'll be fine. I didn't have one until I was about 20.

Be sure to say you're a virgin before the exam so she can use a smaller speculum (kind of looks like a duckbill and is used to wedge your vaj open - if you're a virgin, the opening will be smaller, and a smaller speculum will be easier).

She'll want to know if you're planning on conceiving anytime soon, your general health history, and will take a Pap smear to test for cervical cancer. (It's a little scrapy and weird-feeling, but doesn't hurt.) She may also check your breasts for lumps.

This is going to sound very granola, but before you go, get a hand mirror and take a look down there - familiarize yourself with your bits, so you'll know what goes with what and be able to follow along.

Oh, and know the date your most recent period started - she'll definitely ask for that.

What Shannon said

I was just getting ready to post that, Shannon! I always forget about that question and have to dig out my phone to look at a calendar and start the counting. lol

Also also, it's okay to be a little nervous. Time in the 'ol stirrups is awkward for everyone (who wants to wave their vaj in someone face?), speculums feel odd (ask for a plastic vs. metal one, the metal ones are COLD), and pap smears are the strangest yet. But none of it hurts...so if something DOES hurt, let the doc know.

That'll be a fun question since they start at a different time every month. Thanks ladies!

If you have any concerns about the wedding night (lubrication, what to expect, etc) be sure to ask!

Sarah - that's a really important thing to tell your gyno, if you have an irregular cycle. She may suggest BC pills to regulate you.

Well I need bc anyway since we aren't planning on children for about 4 years. But, yes, shannon I will definitely discuss that with her thanks

I went for the very first time when I was 12 for a menstural issue (don't worry, I wasn't having sex when I was 12 lol).. Talk about nerve wracking! Don't stress. It's not going to be half as bad as what you've pictured or psyched yourself up for. After you leave you'll see that it wasn't so bad Just uncomfortable and awkward.

I don't really have anything else to add.. Shannon said it all.

Does the doctor know that you have never had a gynecological exam? When I went for the first time ever, the doctor talked with me in her office before the actual exam so that I knew what was going to happen and to ask me important questions. That really helped ease my mind. Just relax, it will be uncomfortable but it shouldn't hurt.

My STB stepdaughter went to her first one last month...I can't remember when I went to mine the first time. But Shannon has all the questions!!! Good Job Shannon! It is a little awkward if no one has looked down there besides you before. But just remember, this is their job and they look at many a day. (Probably why Fh said he wanted to come back in his 2nd life as a gyno)

Now for us women who've been before and had children..well, that's another story....after 2 children, I have been so violated...stirrups don't even phase me!

Kk is right! There will probably be a million things/fears/feelings going through your mind before the actual exam but you'll realize that the moment it's over it really wasn't that bad. When I was younger I used to think "Oh how embarrassing", but it's not at all. Your doctor is there to help you and keep you healthy. It's not bad

All I can say is I am happy you only have to have it once a year!

@Shannon, I didn't know they have plastic speculums... my doc always just puts the metal one in a warm water bath before she uses it so it isn't super cold.

I'm sure you will be just fine when you go in there It definitely feels a little weird when they do the scraping (not sore, just weird). For me, the opening of the speculum tends to be more uncomfortable I'm also a big baby when it comes to any type of discomfort I tend to get a little woozy.... yes BIG BABY! Last year when I had one I almost passed out when I Got off the table... the doc came back in to talk to me and I was slouched in the chair looking really pasty... talk about embarrassing.. but she just went and got me some apple juice and sat with me to make sure I Was ok... she even called me later that day to see how I was doing.

And yes, awkward is when they are down there doing there thing and still talking to you

I think the girls covered it. My youngest sister and I just had this conversation. She was incredibly nervous to go to the gyno. It will definitely feel like the doctor is checking you out for an eternity but in reality, it's really only about 1 minute. I find it helpful to write down a list of questions to bring with me every time I go. I know that when I get nervous or feel rushed during an appointment, I tend to forget what I want to discuss. If you have it handy, then you won't forget! Another little trick, wiggle your toes during the exam. You'll be focusing on your toes and it'll help distract you. It's what I do!

Thanks ladies. You are making me feel a lot better. And lol Army Bride. That's a new piece of advice :-D

Also, talk to them about what your cycle is usually like (they will probably ask you about it) it will help them determine which BC to put you on. You may have to try a couple to find which one works best for you.

My hormones were so out of whack that they put me on a low dose of BC to get them jump started.. The first pill they put me on wasn't the right balance for me and was causing 2 periods a month... so I went in to talk to her about it and she switched me to a new one. Now everything is fine

When I had my first Gyno appt (forever ago) I took my boyfriend at the time and he help to distract me during the actual exam. It was nice to have someone there with me. Also, the Doctors are quite accustomed (sp) to having nervous patients so most of them will be very friendly and sometimes down right funny..just to put you more at ease. You'll be fine!

I'd rather go the gyno than the dentist any day.

Heather! That was perfect! Now that it is put in a comparative way it seems so much better. THANKS!