IF you’ve got a gynaecology appointment coming up, you’ve come to the right place.
While many of us will stress about shaving down below, or making sure our toenail polish isn’t chipped ahead of the appointment, we spoke to a gynaecologist to make sure you know what to do, and what not to worry about doing, prior to your appointment.
Dr. Tiffany Pham, a board-certified obstetrician-gynaecologist, and medical advisor at Flo Health, explained that experts aren’t bothered if you’re shaved or waxed and you don’t need to worry about scrubbing down below either.
Dr. Tiffany told Fabulous: “The nature of the pelvic exam is quite intimate, therefore people can feel uncomfortable about how their genitals look or are perceived.
“Gynaecologists are specialists who take care of many issues related to the most intimate parts of your body.
“Your gynaecologist is trained to look for abnormalities, irregular discharge patterns, or suspicious lesions.
“Because they see so many different conditions, their concern is focused on abnormal pathologies rather than what your body part looks like.
“You typically do not feel self-conscious about your hand if you are going to see your GP about pain in your hand or wrist, so treat your gynaecology appointment in the same manner.
“Their focus will not be on the shape or size of your genitals, thus there is no need to be embarrassed or self conscious about your genitalia.”
Dr. Tiffany also explained that “preparation is key”, but not when it comes to how you look, as she advised: “If you have concerns or questions, write them down and be prepared to discuss them at your appointment.”
While you might feel pressure to trim your privates, Dr. Tiffany stressed that there’s really no need.
She explained: “Pubic hair is normal and does not necessarily need to be removed unless it is your personal preference to do so.
“If you typically trim, shave, or wax your genital region, you can do so at your regular interval but there is no special reason to do so before seeing your gynaecologist.”
However, she did add: “If there is an area that you are concerned about (a lump/bump or skin lesion), you may want to be more careful with how you remove the hair in that area.
“It may be helpful for the hair around that particular area to be trimmed to help your gynaecologist better visualise your area of concern.”
If you’re paranoid and want to ensure that you smell as fresh as a daisy before you strip off, Dr. Tiffany explained: “Maintaining good hygiene practices can help to protect the environment of the vagina, reduce infections of the genital area, and help maintain the overall health of the vulva (outside female genital area).
“Once daily cleansing of the genital area (not inside the vagina) with warm water and a mild, gentle pH balanced cleanser is appropriate.
“It is not absolutely necessary to cleanse or wash prior to your appointment.
“However, if you feel more comfortable doing so before seeing your medical provider, you can do so.
“If you typically shower or wash in the morning or evenings, you can stick to your regular routine without feeling the need to wash prior to your appointment in addition to your regular routine.”
For those that are stressed because they realised they forgot to book in for a pedicure, don’t worry.
Dr. Tiffany advised: “Your medical provider will likely focus on performing the appropriate physical and pelvic examination based on your needs/concerns.”
As a result, you won’t need to spend ages sorting out our toenail polish, as she continued: “There is less attention paid to your lower extremities or feet given the nature of their role as a gynaecologist.”
If you are someone who hides your underwear in your jeans when you see your gynaecologist, Dr. Tiffany reassured: “For the most part, medical providers solely focus on you, your issues/concerns, and performing the appropriate physical or pelvic examinations during your appointment.
“We are less likely to take note of where you keep your underwear or clothes in the examination room.”
While there’s no need to feel nervous, if you are worried about your appointment, Dr. Tiffany explained that you can always bring someone along for support.
She concluded: Bring your support system if needed. A friend, family member or partner can help reduce your anxiety levels during the appointment.
“Find a medical provider that you can develop a good provider/patient relationship with, if you trust your provider, it can help ease your nerves and allow you to be more open with your concerns to your provider.
“Your medical provider can also help to put you at ease, let them know which aspect of the exam or appointment makes you nervous.”
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