A couple questions

[tidal.livejournal.com]

I'm going to my first gyno apt. this next week, and I don't know what to expect. How long does it last? Can I choose to not have my mom in the room? Do they ask if I've had sex and what if I lie?

Also, what birth control do you recommend? I heard the four periods a year deal is sort of risky. I know it all depends on how the pill interacts with your system, but, I figured I may as well ask.

Comments

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

http://community.livejournal.com/vaginapagina/1752067.html and http://www.nuvaring.com/consumer/howdoistart/firstGyneVisit.asp?guid={8AF6189F-4591-488B-9596-48D5DE488FE9}&sid=525759666 can help describe a GYN visit.

You can choose to have your mom stay in the waiting room, in fact that's what I'd recommend. Yes, they will ask about your health and sexual activity. It's an incredibly poor idea to lie to a medical professional who is there to help you. Everything you say to the doctor will be bound by HIPAA and doctor-patient confidentiality.

I recommend letting your doctor guide your birth control decision. If there were one birth control better than all others, everyone would take it. Do a bit of research (birthcontrol and http://community.livejournal.com/vaginapagina/7325155.html can help) and then talk to the doc - s/he is the professional. Good luck! :)

[myhalobroke.livejournal.com]

my DAD took me to my first gyno appt. when he caught me having sex :) That was quite an interesting day. lol.

They will take you in the room, if your mom goes with you they will ask her to leave before they have you get undressed. Unless you want her to stay. It would probably be more comfortable for you if she didn't watch. Especially if the chairs are within viewing of your private areas. Well then they will give you something to put on, either a paper top and paper blanket or a sheet. It all depends on the doctor. They will give you some time, then they will knock on the door. Usually they will have a woman do your first pap. My first pap was done by a female nurse practitioner, once again it all depends on teh doctor you go to. the doctor I have now is male, but he has a female midwife nurse in his office that does the majority of the paps. Once they come back in they will do a breast exam, show you how to check yourself, then they will put you in the stirrups and do the pelvic exam. The first time can be kind of scary. I remember after my first exam, I thought to myself, "Is that it? I'm done?" They do ask you if you have had sex, but that is after your mother leaves, and I highly doubt they will tell your mother. I don't know though, if you are under 18 she can probably ask. I remember them asking questions like, Have you had sexual intercourse? How many partners? How many partners do you believe your partner(s) have had? blah blah.

If they know it is your first exam, they should be gentle and explain everything.

Now I've had a baby, so I'm used to all this and I know the drill. After your first few exams, you get used to it. And if you ever have a child, you REALLY get used to it, and then your privates don't really feel like privates anymore. lol.

So don't worry, you'll do just fine. And I'm sure your mom will understand if you don't want her in the room!

[garillama.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure that in any state the doctor/patient confidentiality rules still apply, even for minors. That means that it's illegal for your doctor to tell your parents ANYTHING. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, of course :)

[myhalobroke.livejournal.com]

See I have been over 18 since the new laws took effect, so I wasn't too sure on that. i do know that when I was about ten, my therapist told my parents things I thought were confidential, but that's been like ten years ago so they've surely changed that by now.

[tidal.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure she knows I'm not a virgin. I've only had sex once and I'm not even sure I want to continue to. The condom broke and I had to get a friend who was 18 to go with me to a free clinic to get he morning after pill for me since I'm 17. I'm pretty sure my mom found the Plan B package. I just don't want to answer the question in front of her, I don't even care if the doctor tells her. This is all completely awkward.

[tidal.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I really do appreciate you taking the time to type all of that out...

[daisybones.livejournal.com]

I used to work in a clinic so I just wanted to confirm that age is irrelevent- your stuff is 100 % confidential. They cannot break that rule unless you stated serious suicidal/homicidal intentions- an pap smears aren't that bad..heh.

[autumn-sylver.livejournal.com]

If you're over 18, your mother doesn't have to know anything that goes on in the office with your gyno.

I agree with jennifer0246 - it's not a good idea to lie to your doctor. They're there to help you. They can't properly help you if you lie to them. If you're worried about them telling your mother what you tell them, they're not allowed to by law.

[jenafreaka.livejournal.com]

You can lie and say that you haven't had sex, but if you have had sex the doctor will always be able to tell. So really it's in your best interest to be honest, otherwise what's the point in going?

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

Actually the doctor won't necessarily be able to tell by looking, which is why they ask.

But yeah, you can't expect a doctor to be able to help you if they don't know the story. They don't ask just because they want to hear a juicy story.

[maidenmorticia.livejournal.com]

http://www.scarleteen.com/pink/gyne_2.html

On the birth control... yes it's very individual. Just remember that you need something to protect you against STDs AND pregnancy.

[saerlaith.livejournal.com]

First, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. You may get a doctor you don't like, if so... find a different one. Try them out. Get one that you can be friends with and that doesn't make you uncomfortable... and stay with them forever. The first visit lasts a little while because they have to get a history. Your mom doesn't have to come... but please, for all that's good, don't lie. They need to know so they can help you. They are doctors, not priests.
The four periods a year deal is -not- risky. If that's what works for you, go for it. Your doctor will go over options with you.
Xo,
Me