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Published in General on Jan 28th 2021

How to Make Your Annual Well-Woman Exam a Little Easier

Going to your annual well-woman exam is hardly any woman’s idea of fun. However, while difficult, taking responsibility for your health and resisting the urge to neglect your body is the ultimate first step to radical self-care. To help you start or continue on this journey, we’ve compiled a short list of tips and tricks to make your gynecological exam an easy and encouraging experience.

1. Communicate Your Feelings

If you are feeling nervous about your upcoming visit, make sure to talk to your doctor about any fears or concerns you may have. Gynecologists are typically well aware and understanding of the unease and discomfort an examination can bring to some women. Ask your doctor to walk you through each step and carefully explain what’s going to happen next. By letting them know of any anxieties you might have, your doctor can have a more nuanced understanding of when and how to check in with you and ensure you’re never too uncomfortable throughout the appointment.

2. Prepare Questions

Before your visit, take a moment to journal or think about your health or whether there’s anything you want to know more about. Write down your questions and bring them with you. Even if you are not experiencing any serious health issues, your appointment is a great opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of women’s health as well as the best ways to take care of yourself and your body. Topics could include birth control methods, common infections, irregular periods, fertility care, mood changes, menopause, and more.

3. Visit at the Right Time

As you may have already noticed, the female body can become more sensitive to pain and touch around the time of menstruation. To avoid any added discomfort, it might be helpful to plan your visit around the middle of your cycle, when you are less likely to experience sensitivity.
Also, try to schedule your appointment during a time in which you can relax and take your time. If you’re not rushing to or from another obligation, it can help you feel more at ease during the exam.

4. Relax and Breathe

Although exams can be uncomfortable, it’s important to try to relax your muscles as much as possible. Tensing your muscles during an examination will only cause additional discomfort. Try to also control and slow your breathing.

Find the Right Women’s Health Specialist

Here at Pacific Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology, we make it our goal to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized gynecological care for our patients. Our practice has expanded to include a total of ten female practitioners of diverse backgrounds and highly regarded experience; they are prepared to address your concerns and reproductive health needs. Visit our doctors’ pages to see which provider might be the best fit for you. All our doctors are here to take care of you and help you live your best and healthiest life. Schedule an appointment today.