Nervous/Scared about first pelvic exam? PLEASE HELP!!?

I'm 15 and have had my period for 3 years, so apparently I have to go have my first pelvic exam. Not a pap smear, but just a pelvic exam. What exactly happens during a pelvic exam? Any informational websites would be great as well... How do I conquer all of this fear and anxiety about it? Is is normal for me to feel this way? PLEASE help!!

Is it normal to have a pelvic exam before you are 18 if there's nothing wrong with you in that area?

I was terrified before my first exam, but really it isn't that bad. The biggest thing to overcome is just the modesty issue--I was so embarrassed, but then I realized that the doctor literally looked at hundreds of women each week, so nothing I had was going to be any surprise to him!

Here is what to expect. The doc will have you lie on your back with your feet resting in two "stirrups" at the end of the examination table. He will ask you to scoot all the way down to the edge of the table (to where your bum is almost hanging off the end). He will then put some K-Y jelly (may be cold, but doesn't hurt at all) on his gloved index and middle fingers and insert them. He will then place his other hand on top of your stomach and then press around to feel for lumps or abnormalities.

This usually is done very quickly and is absolutely painless. Do not worry about it hurting at all, and be sure to speak up if at any time you are uncomfortable.

If your doctor is a man, he will have a female nurse in the room with you while he is doing the exam as well just for your comfort.

Don't be afraid--it really isn't as bad as you may think, and it is great that you are being proactive in taking care of yourself with regular checkups!

Good luck!

Your doctor will take an instrument called a speculum and insert it inside you. You won't feel any pain, maybe some pressure though. I personally did not feel anything. This is to collect a sample of cells from your cervix. The doctor is checking for abnormal cells. The doctor will also insert two fingers into you to feel your ovaries and uterus. This is to make sure your organs are the appropriate size. It is totally normal for you to feel that way, explain that to your doctor and she will explain it all to you as it's being done. Once you go, you realize it's not anything to worry about :)

It is normal to go before age 18 if nothing is wrong. Doctors say to go at least before age 21.

I go to a woman doctor because that seems to help me. I hate going for my pelvic exam and I am 40. Good Luck!

It is completely normal to feel the way you do. I had to have my first one when I was 14 and thank goodness my mom stayed in the room and held my hand. You may not want your mom. First of all you take off all clothes below the waist. There will be a small sheet that covers you. You will lie on a short exam table and put your feet in "stirrups" (little holders on the corners of the table), you bend your knees and rest your heels against the stirrups. The sheet will cover you from your waist down to your bottom when your knees are bent.
The doctor will put on rubber gloves and will use a lubricant such as KY jelly on his/her hand so that their fingers will slide into your vaginal opening without hurting you.
There is also a metal piece of equipment called a speculum that can be inserted into your vagina and it holds the sides of the vagina open so the doctor can put a light shining in down there and see your cervix (the neck of your uterus).
The doc uses their hands, one on the inside and one on the outside of your tummy to feel that everything is where it's supposed to be and of the right size. They use the speculum and light to see your cervix and walls of your vagina.
It usually doesn't hurt very much at all and if you tell the doc you're scared, they should explain everything and be extra gentle.

Take a deep breath & relax. . . (Good advice during the pelvic exam, too!) I know it can seem nerve-racking, but the whole procedure should be quick, painless and very clinical. It's no more scary or sexual than when a doctor looks inside your ears, nose, and swabs the back of your throat.

After the nurse gets your height, weight, blood pressure, etc you will be taken to a private exam room. They will give you a few minutes to change into either a hospital gown or a paper shirt to wear and usually a small sheet to cover your lap. Doctor will come in, talk for a min then usually do a breast exam. Then the doc will usually insert his/her finger(s) into the vagina (they use lots of lube). He will feel the back & front of the vagina and will probably push down on your belly. Some doctors will also place a finger in the anus & do a quick colorectal exam but I have found this to be very rare (esp since you are so young, I wouldnt worry about it.)

The doctor will likely also want to take a good look at your cervix. He will insert a tool into the vagina called a speculum (looks kinda like 2 spoons)-this will open up the vagina slightly. It maybe a bit cold, and feel "foreign" going in (don't usually feel a lot of metal in the vagina!), but it isnt sharp and the doc will have different sizes and will likely use a very small one so it doesnt stretch you too much. I know this sounds freaky, & like I said, it will feel weird, but it wont hurt.

You said you arent getting a pap, but if you were the doc would just insert a long q-tip into the vagina while he had itt open w/ the speculum and swab the cervix. Also a painless procedure.

That's it! Should take under 10min for the whole exam. It should not hurt at all. It should not feel sexual at all. And, something to remember that always helps me: i don't care how who you are, your vagina is NEVER the ugliest, prettiest, youngest, oldest, funkyest, freshest, bloodiest, biggest, smallest, hairyest, most razor-burned, . . .etc.

You name it, they have seen it all! Dont you imagine that if your job was treating sick vaginas, you would LOVE to do a quick pelvic exam on a healthy young woman like yourself? Think about it!

Its not a big deal. Calm Down!

Some of the people that posted are confused..The doctor is not going to be using a speculum. Speculums are used in Pap Smears. Thats how they hold the tissue of the vagina apart while that take a smear..or a swabbing..Which is also not painful..feels weird, and medical but it doesnt hurt.

ANyways, you dont have to worry about all that, because the doctor will only check the labia, the outer folds of the vagina, Make sure that everything down there looks "ok." Then they will insert a really well lubed finer inside you while pressing on your lower stomach. Its so simple..and hardly lasts five minutes for the whole thing. He/she will ask if you if you feel any discomfort while they are pressing, and will probably explain the procedures while they are working... just basic stuff. Dont be scared.

Dont worry.. I also had my pelvic exam pretty early..way before I was sexually active. Its a good thing. It makes you feel comfortable with seeing a gyno, and you shouldnt feel shy asking them any questions.