You don’t need a white coat to be the boss of your own vagina.
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So, you’re going to the gynecologist!
And, if you're like most people, you’re probably not looking forward to it. You might even be freaking out a little. Or a lot! But remember: This is your exam, and you get to feel good about it. And I'm going to give you some tips for how to do that.
I'm a gynecological teaching associate (GTA), which means I use my own body to teach nursing, medical, and physician assistant students to perform safe, comfortable, and empowering gynecological exams. In each session I teach a few students how to do the techniques, what they're looking for, and how to communicate sensitively with their patients. I'm not a doctor or nurse, but I'm highly trained in these exams and probably the only patient these students will ever have who can say, "That wasn't my ovary, but here's what you can do to find it."
What I do as a GTA is all about laypeople taking control of their own bodies and health, and you definitely don't have to be willing to take your pants off at work to start doing that. Here are some ways you can take charge of your own healthcare and feel more comfortable at your next gynecological exam — and who knows, maybe your doctor will even learn something!
Use a mirror to follow along and learn what’s normal for you.
Some providers automatically offer a mirror, but if yours doesn't you can bring your own. Many people find this makes them feel safer and more in control. It means no surprises, and it definitely helps cut down on that startled jerk when your provider makes contact with your vulva and you weren't expecting it. Vulvas come in a wide range, and healthy and normal look different for everyone. This is a great way to find out what they mean for you.
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Doing pelvic muscle exercises beforehand can help make the exam more comfortable.
The most effective ways to prepare your muscles down under for this exam are Kegel maneuvers (squeeze and pull up and in like you're stopping the flow of urine) and Valsalva maneuvers (bear down like you're making a bowel movement).
Kegels tone the muscles of your pelvic floor, which your provider will be checking, to better support your internal organs and increase sexual pleasure. Any time you contract muscles you also want to extend them, so make sure you add some deep squats to your routine to keep your pelvis balanced (think going to the bathroom outside). Valsalvas are very useful during the exam: Any time you feel tense, or your provider is about to place something in your vagina, bear down. It softens all your muscles and opens the entrance to your vagina, which will make things much more comfortable for you.
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