I absolutely hate the idea of these intimate exams I feel like I'm going to be stripped of all my dignity and that men get away with everything :mad: my sister had a gyno exam not so long ago and she told me I should have had one by now (im 17). What age do you need to be to get one? She told me what they do in the exam and quite frankly I'm teriffied :eek: exactly what do they do? Does it hurt? And the speculum they use I've got a horrible feeling that it might catch the folds of skin inside the vagina when they insert it or that it could snap shut while inside and nip your skin. My sister told me this happened to her when she had an examination after one of her pregnancies and that she was almost screaming with pain, is it common and does it damage you in anyway? And when the doctor examines you using his/her fingers does it hurt when they feel your ovaries? Also my breasts are always tender to touch and swollen and painful before I'm due on my period so will the breast examination hurt? I know I've asked a lot of questions about this but as I have said I'm absolutely terrified. Please get back to me :o

I am so glad you asked your questions. It is much better to ask than to go in unknowing.

Let's see...

When should you start exams? Typically around age 16 or you become sexually active, whichever comes first.

What happened to your sister is extremely rare. No, the speculum will not catch on the folds of the vagina, it is a little cold sometimes, but many doctors have warmers to keep them at body temp, so you barely feel it.

It is uncomfortable when the doctor uses his fingers, but it only lasts for a few seconds.

The breast exam does not hurt at all. Make sure you make an appointment before you are due your period or right after.

There is no reason to be terrified of the exam. What you should be terrified is what could happen to you should you not get an exam.

Some women get cervical or other cancers, without the exam you would not know you have it and could not be cured.

One thing, you can make an appointment with a female doctor, she has the same parts you do, so she knows how to do it.

Any more questions? I would love to help you.

thanks for the advice =D I do have one more question.. does the doctor insert his/her finger into your anus as well, if yes why?

No s/he doesn't. That is only for maybe a colon exam or for an ulcer. Typically this is done to a man for a prostate exam.

You will be fine. We all are. I know it is rather frightening the first time, but if you can get a woman doctor you may feel more comfortable.

“Visiting the Doctor” on TeenHealthrl. you can find various questions and answers about GYN visits, including “First Gyno Visit” and “Sexually Active and Wondering About a Gyn.”