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01/11/2006 09:42:31 AM · #1 |
This is my way of taking a break from voting and commenting.
Right, so the questions. Doesn't going to a gynaecologist make you (females) uncomfortable?
I haven't been to one, but I've been planning for years and years. 5 years at least to be extact, but I never had the courage. What kind of questions would they ask a first time comer?
Would you have to groom yourself for them or anything so that they won't comment about such? Any grooming tips?
Oh, I'm quite a private person with my parents, so asking money for a check up isn't as easy as saying "Dad, I need to see a gynaecologist, can I have some money please?" He'll start interrogating me if I've ever had sex and all that jazz. If he knows all about it, well let's just say he'd die of a heart attack (he has a heart condition). So what question should I ask to make him cough up some cash for a check up?
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 09:43:51. |
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01/11/2006 09:50:25 AM · #2 |
Number one, it's important to have a yearly GYN exam, especially if you're sexually active. Checking for STD's, pre-cancerous cells, and a host of other diseases/conditions is extremely important. It's also the time to get information about birth control options and STD prevention available to you if such a need exists. Tell your father you are simply needing a baseline exam from a recommended gynecologist and that it's important to your health. Any father that loves his daughter will agree that having a healthy daughter is a good thing.
Edit...I forgot to answer the other two questions so here you go:
The questions will be about your general health and well-being, as well as any problems or concerns you have. You will probably be asked if you are sexually active, what kind of birth control you use, how regular your menstrual cycle is, if you've been pregnant before, etc. I can understand that discussing those things with a stranger might make someone uncomfortable, but with the ease in which you ask a public forum these things, I'm sure you will be ok in telling your practicioner the truth so that he/she can work with you to the best of their ability. :)
Grooming...well, it's important to be clean but other than that I don't think a gynecologist cares much. You've seen one, you've seen them all, I'd think. ;)
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 09:55:44. |
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01/11/2006 10:01:14 AM · #3 |
| Well, this is me being honest. I'm not sexually active, unless you consider losing my virginity at 7 years old and continuing such until I was 10 as sexually active. Ever since that, nothing happened. |
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01/11/2006 10:09:11 AM · #4 |
Heh. I'm eight months pregnant, so I feel kinda qualified to comment on this :)
First of all, if you are over the age of 18 or are sexually active, you should be going to see a doctor at least once a year. I know, I never did either because I was too shy too. Depending on where you are, you may have several different options: you could talk to your family doctor, you could go to a Planned Parenthood sort of place, or you could look for a OB/GYN office. As for how to pay, you know best about your insurance situation. If you will have to ask your dad for money for it, I would just shoot it straight with him. Tell him you are over the age of 18 and you need to make an appointment. Just like going to the dentist for checkups! :)
Secondly, about grooming. If you would be more comfortable "trimmed up", then do trim up. I am more comfortable that way - although getting trimmed is not easy at this point! A razor is likely to leave you uncomfortable - I suggest a hair trimming system like they use for guys at barber shops. Then you can use those blade guards to leave a little hair for yourself. Don't worry too much about it... Those doctors see all kinds of stuff. I used to worry about having to show someone my tan line! Let alone boobs! But you know what? They see much worse if they deliver babies (and most gynacologists do!)
My OBGYN is a male, although before I was pregnant I went to a female. Maybe seeing a female doctor would make you feel easier? I don't know - having seen both, I have to say that I am more comfortable now with a male doctor. All of the male doctors I have seen have a better sense of humor (which makes me feel more comfortable), although on the other hand, you may feel that women relate better to other women.
I was very nervous going to see the doctor before I was pregnant, and nervous the first time I had an appointment with my OBGYN. Growing up, we didn't go to the doctor much, so I had no experience with medical facilities or workers. I figured my best course of action would be to tell nurses or doctors that I hadn't been to the doctor much, and ask them to explain things that they were doing. It put my mind at ease to know why they were doing what they were doing and it made it easier to talk to them. After all, they are people too.
I think the first time you visit a doctor, regardless of gender, you probably will feel uncomfortable. Just going to the doctor is something you don't normally do, so it may throw you out of your comfort zone. Then, when you have an exam, you have someone checking out an area that you don't usually share with others. The exam's not all that comfortable, let alone having someone look around down there. But, it is something that you need to do, and there's only one way to accustom yourself to it. Think about if you had a daughter - wouldn't you want her to be responsible for her good health? Just handle the whole situation matter-of-factly, keep in mind that these doctors see dozens of clients each day, ask questions when you want to know something, and you will be fine. |
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01/11/2006 10:13:31 AM · #5 |
Just be honest with your dad. He may be embarrased, but he'd probably prefer to know that your looking after yourself than not.
Edit: Spelling
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 10:15:12. |
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01/11/2006 10:15:50 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
You've seen one, you've seen them all, I'd think. ;) |
LOL, I'm not saying a thing about that sentence. |
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01/11/2006 10:16:19 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by pa_cuthbert:
Well, this is me being honest. I'm not sexually active, unless you consider losing my virginity at 7 years old and continuing such until I was 10 as sexually active. Ever since that, nothing happened. |
This is important to share with your physician, if only to be checked for any kind of permanent damage or scarring to your reproductive system that might endanger future child bearing. That's extremely young (at least by the US standards which I'm accustomed to) and I would imagine making sure you're physically OK from those experiences is vital...as well as checking on your emotional health as well. That kind of experience can do some emotional scarring as well, I would imagine. |
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01/11/2006 10:16:49 AM · #8 |
I'm not great with being blunt to my parents. Maybe it's because of the more Asian upbringing I got. Heck I don't know. I guess once I'm at university, I'll make sure I earn enough at my part time job and come back to Bangkok and grab a gynaecologist at a good hospital.
Thanks a lot. I really appreciated the help and feedback. I'll keep that in mind. |
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01/11/2006 10:18:09 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Originally posted by pa_cuthbert:
Well, this is me being honest. I'm not sexually active, unless you consider losing my virginity at 7 years old and continuing such until I was 10 as sexually active. Ever since that, nothing happened. |
This is important to share with your physician, if only to be checked for any kind of permanent damage or scarring to your reproductive system that might endanger future child bearing. That's extremely young (at least by the US standards which I'm accustomed to) and I would imagine making sure you're physically OK from those experiences is vital...as well as checking on your emotional health as well. That kind of experience can do some emotional scarring as well, I would imagine. |
That's been dealt with a long while ago. Emotional wise, I'm as healthy as you can ever ask anyone to be. Lol. |
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01/11/2006 10:22:39 AM · #10 |
| Just tell your dad you need a checkup. You don't have to tell him what kind of checkup. If you think it would be to uncomfortable to tell him anything, go to a free clinic. There is usually at least one in most cities. That's were I went for my first exams. |
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01/11/2006 10:23:22 AM · #11 |
Well, I have never been to a OBGYN...of course, but I do have a step daughter who is about to turn 13 and will be "coming of age" before long. I know that if she were to ask me (within the next 5 years of course) about a visit, I would of course ask her the questions that you are referring to, its natural concern for a parent. You have to expect those questions, its merely because he loves you, not because he is being accusatory. Now, with all that being said, he should also understand that as a woman, you need to be "checked out" if nothing else just to make sure everything is going well and you have no problems. Just explain to him that you are thinking about your future and that you just want to be seen and examined to make sure all is well. He will understand.
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01/11/2006 10:26:52 AM · #12 |
In "prepping" yourself ordinary bathing is fine, but do not douche or apply any other products as they could invalidate some tests.
Planned Parenthood has clinics in most sizable communities which will provide confidential and free/low-cost services. |
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01/11/2006 10:51:22 AM · #13 |
Don't be nervous about yourself. Think of a GYN as a pizza guy making pizzas all day. Sure, they're all different in one way or another, but to him, it's still just a pizza. -Bad analogy, sorry, but the good intentions are there. :-)
As for your parents, just ask them. It's not like you're asking for a new Ipod or some other extravagence. This is something that is a neccesity. Best of luck to you. |
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01/11/2006 11:06:35 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Telehubbie:
Don't be nervous about yourself. Think of a GYN as a pizza guy making pizzas all day. Sure, they're all different in one way or another, but to him, it's still just a pizza. -Bad analogy, sorry, but the good intentions are there. :-)
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I got your point. If I had asked this question a couple of weeks ago and you did the same analogy. Hell would break loose for me. I had bad experiences with a pizza delivery guy. He made me paranoid, and I honestly thought he was going to break into the house while I'm alone (quite often) and awake my nightmare. It's cool now though. I can laugh at it.
I'm not sure if they've got free clinics in Thailand or not. Looks like I'll have to look around and explore my options. |
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01/11/2006 11:11:16 AM · #15 |
| Ooh, sorry. REALLY bad analogy then. Ok, how about a burger flipper at McDonalds? |
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01/11/2006 11:13:20 AM · #16 |
| Sure that would do. Nothing bad from that yet. It's not a bad analogy, seriously. It would have only if it was a while back. The past is just fun to laugh and tell. Nothing serious. |
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01/11/2006 11:46:17 AM · #17 |
| What about a Taco Bell employee? |
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01/11/2006 12:12:03 PM · #18 |
| Taco Bell? None as well. I don't think they've even got Taco Bell in Bangkok. |
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01/11/2006 12:26:27 PM · #19 |
This thread has made me really appreciative of living in the UK - I had never thought of the problems surrounding these basic needs in other countries without our type of health system. I take it for granted that my daughter is able to go for a yearly cervical smear to check for cancer cells, visit her own GP for contraception and any gynaecological difficulties ( of which she has experienced many), and also to get advice. This is 90% free, contraception being the exception. I am also able to have breast checks regularly now I am over 50 and also to arrange HRT. The government has a policy of ensuring that every woman has access to these facilities whatever their means and any young woman can get help without involving their parents from any age. The big debate here is that very young girls ( ie 10 years old) can go to a doctor and get contraception advice without her parents knowing but this is available at clinics run by charities and organisations all round the country anyway.
How on earth do women in the US afford to have babies? It must cost a fortune to visit the hospital weekly, have all the necessary tests and scans as well as the actual birth with midwife and hospital stay!
I shall treat my doctor with a lot more appreciation from now on!
P
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01/11/2006 12:29:19 PM · #20 |
<=== is offering free exams ... *ducks and runs*
Edit: I only said it because Ashley expects it from me ... lmao
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 12:32:36.
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01/11/2006 12:30:00 PM · #21 |
| Darn, I went back to Yarmouth for Christmas and New Year, I should have checked out to see if there was any and have it secretly done. Oh well, Great Yarmouth isn't so great these days, a lost atmosphere is what I felt. |
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01/11/2006 12:33:44 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
<=== is offering free exams ... *ducks and runs* |
Why am I not surprised you'd drop a line in this thread Leroy? Lol reminds me of a t-shirt my friend got "Gynaecologist in training (ask if you want to be a subject)"
That was one of the most hilarious shirts I've ever seen. |
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01/11/2006 12:34:58 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by NathanW:
What about a Taco Bell employee? |
LOL! Please tell me that was a deliberate innuendo, so that I don't feel so twisted.
Ashley,
Of course it's extremely important to begin seeing a GYN, even though you are young and not sexually active. HPV is very common, and if it was transmitted to you during your childhood experience, you could be at risk for cervical cancer.
Assuming your stated age is correct, you are an adult by most standards. It might be a good time to assert some independence and take personal responsibility for your healthcare. If you look around, you can probably find an affordable clinic. Unless something is wrong, an exam shouldn't cost very much.
Personally, I don't see any need to explain anything to your father. If he's so uncomfortable with this, perhaps it's better not to stir the pot.
As far as the pizza guy goes. Please go to great lengths to increase your personal security. Looking back, I am astonished at the risks I took that could have cost me my life. Young women, such as yourself, are prime targets for all sorts of unspeakable things. |
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01/11/2006 12:46:00 PM · #24 |
I don't know, somehow I've come to the point in life, where I love my body, but my soul is worth more than my physical self. So I may feel fear and all that jazz, take my body if they have to. I've done with a tormented soul.
Personal security... love that. The hardest thing for me. My friends call me naive at times. I've seen so many people that find it hard to trust people, and I feel that you need to trust people. At least give 80% of your trust, the other 20% they'll gain it themselves. Lol. I think I forgot my point. It must have been important. This sucks, as in me forgetting my train of thought too easily. I swear by the time I'm 50 I'll have amnesia.
Oh am I hot or something that makes me a prime target? Or is it like "OMG Boobs... female get her!" kind of thing? Lol
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 12:47:15. |
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01/11/2006 12:50:12 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by pa_cuthbert:
Oh am I hot or something that makes me a prime target? Or is it like "OMG Boobs... female get her!" kind of thing? Lol |
Considering the only pic I have seen is you on the crapper (in your profile), thats a tough question lol We are all "hot" in our own way..some are just more "hot" on the inside. Maybe that was what you were doing on the crapper, showing us your insides an how hot they are?? oh geez ;-)~
It has little to do with if your hot or not. There are evil people out there who do indeed think "boobs, GET HER!" and some that may see you as a prime target because of your trust, just be careful.
Message edited by author 2006-01-11 12:51:24. |
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