Going for the ladies annual...

Sydney71 · 09-13-2006, 10:37 AM

Hiya Folks

I've been lurking for some time and decided to join and post for some help and advice from all you lovely people.

I have moved to the US from Canada. It took me a while to get my health insurance sorted so I haven't had a pap or examination for 4 years. Now I am ready! But, I have some silly fears that I hope you can all put my mind at rest.

I seem to love in a town where I rarely to never see overweight women. I am a size 24-26 and I'm REALLY worried about the gown they give you to change in to and whether it will fit or not. (I told you these were silly worries). Can someone reassure me that it will fit?

Also, I've read about the examination in this country and it seems more thorough than anything I've had back home. Can anyone out there explain to me what really happens and how you prepared for it? I know you're not supposed to douche at all, but umm what about the other end?

Anyone who can give me some wise words would be much appreciated.

Thank you all

Stash'sWife · 09-16-2006, 03:32 PM

Well, I don't have much in the way of advice for you but I wanted to say "hello and welcome"!

I think the gowns will fit you, especially if your gyn is also an ob.

After all, the gowns are made for preggos, ya know?

Anyway, I am a size 2x and even 9 mos pg the gowns at my ob/midwife fit.

Take care!

lmatkins · 09-26-2006, 08:12 PM

Alrighty - I'll try and give you a general walkthrough...

First, they're going to weigh you (I just don't look at the scale lol)

Then, they're going to take you into the exam room, take your temp and blood pressure and heart rate.

Then, they're going to ask you some questions about your sex life, how many partners, have you ever been pregnant, when was your last period, etc.

Then, they're going to ask you to get undressed and put on that robe (which I promise will fit you by the way

)

Then, the doctor will knock on the door and come in. My gyno does a breast exam first, he basically just checks for anything unusual, including lumps. They also check under your arm pits for lumps.

Then, they're going to have you put your feet up into those styrupps (you'll need to slide your butt all the way down to the bottom of the bench).

They'll do an "exterior" exam and just make sure everything "down there" looks normal from the outside.

Then, the doctor will put some lubricant into his gloved fingers and will insert his finger and feel around. While in there he will also feel your ovaries, etc to make sure everything feels normal.

Then, in goes the plastic clicky thingy - which they will loob as well. Once the plastic clicky thingy is inside you, they will put a light down there and he will proceed to take some cell samples and take other samples based on what your doctor wants to screen you for.

Once that's done, they'll remove the plastic clicky thingy, and you're pretty much done!

My gyno does a general screen for yeast infections, and usually has those results by the time I'm dressed and go into his office after the exam for the verbal debriefing.

At this point while you're talking to the doctor you can ask him any questions or he may also ask you some questions, etc.

Usually the results of the pap smear come back within 5 days or so, so he'll give you a call when the results come in and let you know if everything looks normal.

Well, I think I pretty much got it all. Of course each doctor is different but that is what my gyno's do lol. I know it seems scary and it's funny because everytime they take my blood pressure before my anual exam it's through the roof lol!! But it isn't that bad, and it's nice because the whole exam takes less than 15 minutes usually

lmatkins · 09-26-2006, 08:15 PM

Uh...I re-read the rest of your post and in terms of the "other end" my gyno doesn't go there. That's not their "area" of expertese. lol

Jennyl · 09-28-2006, 01:43 AM

It's pretty fast really. I think I've blocked out the details of my exams but apart from some very slight discomfort, that really only lasts a few seconds, it's all over before you know it. I think the gown will fit you, just because you haven't seen any heavier people doesn't mean they aren't there, so most docs are prepared for everyone. I've never had a doctor touch "the other end" in any gynecological exam so you don't have to worry about that at all.
Whenever I hear about a trip to the gyno I am reminded of this joke...

I was due for an appointment with the gynaecologist later in the week.
Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am. I
had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45am.
The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.
As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in 'that area' to make sure I was at least presentable.
I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.
I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in.
Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that
I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?"
I didn't respond.
After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal ... some shopping, cleaning, cooking,
etc. After school, when my daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom.
"Mommy, where's my washcloth?"
I told her to get another one from the cupboard.
She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it."

ChubbyAFGirl · 09-30-2006, 06:29 PM

Don't forget that you shouldn't have sex within the 24 hours before your exam. If you do, you could get an abnormal pap reading. Also, at most Dr's you have to specifically ask to be tested for ALL STD's. It's not always automatic.

Sydney71 · 10-01-2006, 05:12 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies for all your replies. Phew, I am also glad there isn't the other end exam. I had read it and got a bit scared if you know what I mean!

I am more reassured about the gown, and yes my BP goes sky high at just the glance of the machine

I'll wonder what all the fuss was about when I've had it, I'm sure.

I've heard my gyn is really lovely so that's good.

Thanks again

Jewelthief · 10-04-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydney71

Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies for all your replies. Phew, I am also glad there isn't the other end exam. I had read it and got a bit scared if you know what I mean!

I am more reassured about the gown, and yes my BP goes sky high at just the glance of the machine

I'll wonder what all the fuss was about when I've had it, I'm sure.

I've heard my gyn is really lovely so that's good.

Thanks again

Hi, Sydney

I think all doctors are different but they'll all do the basics in a similar fashion, and I bet you'll do just fine!

I wanted to mention that I have a woman doctor (love her, she is so sweet!) and she's done exams on me for several years. She does take a moment and check "the other end"

but she always warns me that it might be "a bit uncomfortable" that a lot of women hate it, but just like was said before, she lubes her finger and it's really over quickly and painlessly. I haven't ever asked but I imagine it is a quick way to check for polyps and such.

I haven't had all docs do that part of the exam so it's possible yours won't either, just don't sweat it if they do... For one of the more unpleasant things we women have to endure, at least it's over pretty quickly.

Take care,

Karyn

zelia · 10-04-2006, 12:35 PM

My internist is a woman, and I go to her for my annual exams. She always does an occult blood test from the rectum. There's some kind of little plastic instrument. It's slightly uncomfortable.

I'm 57, have always had normal Paps, and no one ever told me not to have sex within 24 hours before an exam.

Sydney71 · 10-06-2006, 10:41 AM

You know, why am I so embarrassed by it all?? I know it's so stupid but it just gets to me. I haven't had any kids and understand all dignity is lost in that department so I can see women get over it easily. I just don't know why it bugs me so much. I have no problems with doctors, male or female as they've all seen it before. So how on earth do I get over this crazy fear?

Sydney71 · 11-13-2006, 01:31 PM

Well, I went for the exam and it was much easier than I expected. And the gown was HUGE which I was very relieved about.

They took a urine sample and they said there was blood and white cells in it. I wasn't too worried as they figured it may be an infection. The clinic called today and said everything is normal, and now I don't feel so convinced! Has anyone else had this?

09-13-2006, 10:37 AM	#1
Sydney71 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: Sydney71	Going for the ladies annual... Hiya Folks I've been lurking for some time and decided to join and post for some help and advice from all you lovely people. I have moved to the US from Canada. It took me a while to get my health insurance sorted so I haven't had a pap or examination for 4 years. Now I am ready! But, I have some silly fears that I hope you can all put my mind at rest. I seem to love in a town where I rarely to never see overweight women. I am a size 24-26 and I'm REALLY worried about the gown they give you to change in to and whether it will fit or not. (I told you these were silly worries). Can someone reassure me that it will fit? Also, I've read about the examination in this country and it seems more thorough than anything I've had back home. Can anyone out there explain to me what really happens and how you prepared for it? I know you're not supposed to douche at all, but umm what about the other end? Anyone who can give me some wise words would be much appreciated. Thank you all

09-26-2006, 08:12 PM	#3
lmatkins Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 521 Gallery: lmatkins	Alrighty - I'll try and give you a general walkthrough... First, they're going to weigh you (I just don't look at the scale lol) Then, they're going to take you into the exam room, take your temp and blood pressure and heart rate. Then, they're going to ask you some questions about your sex life, how many partners, have you ever been pregnant, when was your last period, etc. Then, they're going to ask you to get undressed and put on that robe (which I promise will fit you by the way ) Then, the doctor will knock on the door and come in. My gyno does a breast exam first, he basically just checks for anything unusual, including lumps. They also check under your arm pits for lumps. Then, they're going to have you put your feet up into those styrupps (you'll need to slide your butt all the way down to the bottom of the bench). They'll do an "exterior" exam and just make sure everything "down there" looks normal from the outside. Then, the doctor will put some lubricant into his gloved fingers and will insert his finger and feel around. While in there he will also feel your ovaries, etc to make sure everything feels normal. Then, in goes the plastic clicky thingy - which they will loob as well. Once the plastic clicky thingy is inside you, they will put a light down there and he will proceed to take some cell samples and take other samples based on what your doctor wants to screen you for. Once that's done, they'll remove the plastic clicky thingy, and you're pretty much done! My gyno does a general screen for yeast infections, and usually has those results by the time I'm dressed and go into his office after the exam for the verbal debriefing. At this point while you're talking to the doctor you can ask him any questions or he may also ask you some questions, etc. Usually the results of the pap smear come back within 5 days or so, so he'll give you a call when the results come in and let you know if everything looks normal. Well, I think I pretty much got it all. Of course each doctor is different but that is what my gyno's do lol. I know it seems scary and it's funny because everytime they take my blood pressure before my anual exam it's through the roof lol!! But it isn't that bad, and it's nice because the whole exam takes less than 15 minutes usually __________________ 5'3 130 pounds Goal Weight: 110

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09-16-2006, 03:32 PM	#2
Stash'sWife Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Western KY Posts: 874 Gallery: Stash'sWife Stats: 2x/??/Lg WOE: Low Carb/IF (F5)	Well, I don't have much in the way of advice for you but I wanted to say "hello and welcome"! I think the gowns will fit you, especially if your gyn is also an ob. After all, the gowns are made for preggos, ya know? Anyway, I am a size 2x and even 9 mos pg the gowns at my ob/midwife fit. Take care!

09-26-2006, 08:15 PM	#4
lmatkins Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 521 Gallery: lmatkins	Uh...I re-read the rest of your post and in terms of the "other end" my gyno doesn't go there. That's not their "area" of expertese. lol

09-28-2006, 01:43 AM	#5
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,966 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	It's pretty fast really. I think I've blocked out the details of my exams but apart from some very slight discomfort, that really only lasts a few seconds, it's all over before you know it. I think the gown will fit you, just because you haven't seen any heavier people doesn't mean they aren't there, so most docs are prepared for everyone. I've never had a doctor touch "the other end" in any gynecological exam so you don't have to worry about that at all. Whenever I hear about a trip to the gyno I am reminded of this joke... I was due for an appointment with the gynaecologist later in the week. Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am. I had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45am. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare. As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in 'that area' to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment. I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?" I didn't respond. After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal ... some shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc. After school, when my daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom. "Mommy, where's my washcloth?" I told her to get another one from the cupboard. She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it."

09-30-2006, 06:29 PM	#6
ChubbyAFGirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hot & Humid Florida! Posts: 2,974 Gallery: ChubbyAFGirl Stats: Original Start- Oct 2002-180 Restart-135/128/125 WOE: Anit-Depressants and caffeine Start Date: Everyday...	Don't forget that you shouldn't have sex within the 24 hours before your exam. If you do, you could get an abnormal pap reading. Also, at most Dr's you have to specifically ask to be tested for ALL STD's. It's not always automatic.

10-01-2006, 05:12 PM	#7
Sydney71 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: Sydney71	Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies for all your replies. Phew, I am also glad there isn't the other end exam. I had read it and got a bit scared if you know what I mean! I am more reassured about the gown, and yes my BP goes sky high at just the glance of the machine I'll wonder what all the fuss was about when I've had it, I'm sure. I've heard my gyn is really lovely so that's good. Thanks again

10-04-2006, 12:35 PM	#9
zelia MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Evergreen State Posts: 1,348 Gallery: zelia Start Date: November 2001	My internist is a woman, and I go to her for my annual exams. She always does an occult blood test from the rectum. There's some kind of little plastic instrument. It's slightly uncomfortable. I'm 57, have always had normal Paps, and no one ever told me not to have sex within 24 hours before an exam.

10-06-2006, 10:41 AM	#10
Sydney71 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: Sydney71	You know, why am I so embarrassed by it all?? I know it's so stupid but it just gets to me. I haven't had any kids and understand all dignity is lost in that department so I can see women get over it easily. I just don't know why it bugs me so much. I have no problems with doctors, male or female as they've all seen it before. So how on earth do I get over this crazy fear?

11-13-2006, 01:31 PM	#11
Sydney71 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: Sydney71	Well, I went for the exam and it was much easier than I expected. And the gown was HUGE which I was very relieved about. They took a urine sample and they said there was blood and white cells in it. I wasn't too worried as they figured it may be an infection. The clinic called today and said everything is normal, and now I don't feel so convinced! Has anyone else had this?