Regular check-ups with a gynecologist are the foundation of every woman's health care. However, for many patients, a visit to a gynecologist is more than just a routine examination... It is often stress, embarrassment and shame. That is why we have prepared this article - to dispel doubts and help women feel more confident before entering the gynecologist's office. 

This guide will tell you how to prepare for a visit to the gynecologist: how to dress so that you are comfortable and do not feel embarrassed? Do you have to shave before going to the gynecologist, or does the doctor pay attention to this? We will also explain what you should not do before a visit to the gynecologist, so that the examination has the greatest diagnostic value.

How to prepare for a visit to the gynecologist: documentation and a list of questions

MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION

A good habit of a conscious patient is to gather any relevant medical records prior to your visit. If you want to prepare well for your visit to the gynecologist, pack:

• ID card,
• results of recent gynecological examinations (e.g. previous cytology, ultrasound),
• information cards from possible treatments or hospital stays,
• a list of medications you are currently taking
• write down the dates of important events, including: the date of your last period, the length and regularity of your cycle, or any unusual vaginal spotting.

LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR THE GYNECOLOGIST

Jak you want sto prepare for a visit to the gynecologist, prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor. It's easy to forget what you wanted to ask when you're stressed, so write down any worrying symptoms and questions about things like intimate health, contraception, or pregnancy planning. 

How to dress for a gynecologist visitto make you feel comfortable and cozy?

Your attire on the day of your appointment can make the exam easier (or harder). What to wear to a gynecologist? The most comfortable thing to wear in a skirt, tunic or loose dress, especially one that can be easily rolled up. Thanks to this, in the office, all you have to do is take off your underwear from the waist down, and you will still feel partially covered when going to the gynecological chair.

How to dress for a gynecologist visit if you normally wear pants? Opt for a comfortable model that is easy to take off/put on (avoid jumpsuits, very tight "tubes").

How to dress for a gynecologist visit: should you wear a disposable skirt in the office?

Remember that you can always ask your doctor what to do if you don't know how to prepare for the test. Wearing such a disposable skirt is optional – if it improves your well-being and comfort during a gynecological examination, do not hesitate to use it! After the examination, when you change, throw the skirt in the trash. 

Visit to the gynecologist? Take care of your intimate hygiene, but in moderation! 

How to prepare for a gynecologist visit? Personal hygiene before your visit is important for your comfort, but remember – don't overdo it. 

Before visiting the gynecologist, use the toilet.

A full bladder makes it difficult palpation and vaginal ultrasound examination, causing unnecessary pressure and discomfort, and poor visualization during the imaging test. The exception is when you know you are going to have an ultrasound through the abdominal walls or the test is to assess the pelvis for urinary incontinence – then the doctor may ask you to come with a full bladder.

If you are not sure, it is best to leave your bladder slightly full and ask your doctor right before the examination whether it is necessary to empty it. In principle, every gynecologist's office has a toilet. 

What should you not do before visiting a gynecologist? Checklist.

VAGINAL IRRIGATION

Jak You want himself well prepare for a visit to the gynecologist, do not use vaginal douches — douching can hide the symptoms of infection, and is considered harmful in itself and is currently discouraged in any situation, not just before a visit. What jeszcze you can't do it before visiting a gynecologistwhen it comes to intimate hygiene?

INTIMATE DEODORANTS

Avoid any deodorants, powders or perfumed intimate cosmetics before your visit. The natural smell of your intimate area and the appearance of your vaginal discharge are important diagnostic information for your gynecologist.

Don't try to mask it - the doctor is used to different smells and for him it is part of the examination. 

INTERCOURSE WITH YOUR PARTNER? AWAY FOR 24-48H

What not to do before visiting a gynecologist? It is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse for at least a day or two before a gynecological examination, especially if a cytology test is to be performed. Semen, lubricants, or changes in microflora after intercourse can falsify the results of a cervical smear.

However, if the rapprochement took place, do not cancel your visit – inform your doctor about this so that the cytological test can be postponed to another day.

DO NOT USE VAGINAL MEDICATIONS OR PRESSURES

If you are undergoing treatment for an infection and have a check-up scheduled, ask your doctor if you should take a break from taking the medication before your visit. Refrain from using antifungal, anti-inflammatory, spermicide or other vaginal preparations for 2-3 days before the examination.

Such substances may coat the walls of the vagina and cervix, making it difficult to evaluate the mucous membranes and test results (e.g., they may distort cytology or culture results). 

Patients ask, IMiD expert answers: do you have to shave to go to the gynecologist?

Questions like these keep many women awake at night: Do you have to shave to go to the gynecologist?? Will the doctor be offended if I don't wax my bikini area?

To summarize, do you have to shave to go to the gynecologist?

Doctors unanimously emphasize that Pubic hair does not affect the test and is not a problem for them – it is a natural part of a woman's anatomy. So you can, but don't necessarily have to, shave before a visit to the gynecologist, and it should be dictated by the patient's well-being.

Are you stressed about visiting a gynecologist? Now you know how to improve your comfort! 

Regular visits to the gynecologist are not mandatory, but investment in your own health. You already know how to prepare for a visit to the gynecologist, how to dress and whether you need to shave. Importantly, you also know what you should not do before a visit to the gynecologist so as not to negatively affect the test result.

Remember:

✔ You don't have to shave.

✔ Normal hygiene is enough – no exaggerations.

✔ Dress comfortably.

✔ Avoid intercourse and vaginal medications for approximately 48 hours before your visit.

✔ Take your documents, notes and write down your questions.

And most importantly: do not hesitate to ask your gynecologist about everything that is troubling you. The doctor will certainly answer any of your doubts - without judgment.