How thorough is my gynecological exam likely to be to be put on birth control?

Erin: How thorough is my gynecological exam likely to be to be put on birth control?
I’m going to the gynecologist tomorrow, as I am getting married in March and need to go on birth control for the first time. I know that they will almost sure do a pap smear, but is this all? Or will they usually do a complete gynecological exam?

I just want to know what to expect, as I’ve never been this nervous before in my life. LOL
I am eighteen, and have never been sexually active. I meant to include this in the original question, sorry.

Answers and Views:

Answer by rye
When I went on birth control they didn’t do an exam. They don’t just to be put on birth control. If you ask for an exam they’ll do a full exam though. A pap smear is the main part of an annual exam.

Answer by Sarah
How old are you?

You usually have to ask for the pill. I started having my first exam at 20 because thats when I became sexually active. They usually just do the pap smear unless there are other things they find.

I find them slightly painful and very uncomfortable, so take a few ibuprofen before hand!

Answer by Q
There isn’t much more to a complete gynecologic exam than a pap smear. They will use a tool called a speculum to hold open your vagina while they take a swab and rub it against your cervix to scrape off a few cells. They usually have a smaller speculum for someone who is a virgin, so be sure to mention you’re a virgin. That’s probably all they’ll do. The only other thing they might do is a bi-manual exam. They put a few fingers in the vagina and a finger in your anus and then feel your ovaries using those two hands. Then they’re done! To make the exam go quickly and smoothly, you should concentrate on relaxing. If your muscles are all tense and you move your legs together rather than keeping them wide open to each side, your muscles in your vaginal area could clench and that could cause you pain. So just tell yourself to relax, concentrate on relaxing, and pick a spot on the ceiling to stare at if you are nervous. The exam is over within a few moments. I like the other person’s suggestion to take some Ibuprofen before the exam. That will keep your muscles relaxed.

It’s an uncomfortable exam, but not painful. And it’s quick.

Answer by Elizabeth
With me it was a different situation, but you probably wont be given a pap smear if your not sexually active. They will though ask you questions. But after you do become sexually active make sure you go back each to get a pap smear done. Its not that bad dont worry lol

Answer by Maya Z
You’ll have to ask your doctor. Legally, the only thing required before prescribing birth control is a blood pressure reading, but your doctor may decide to require other things of you.