Gynecologist shares 3 tips for preparing for an appointment

Before an appointment to see your gyno, be sure to avoid these three no-nos. 

Dr. Susanna Unsworth, a gynecologist and the founder of the Cambridge Women’s Health Clinic in England, is sharing her tips for preparing for a gynecologist appointment.

Forty percent of US women say they visit or consult an obstetrician or gynecologist at least once a year, according to 2018 data from the research firm Ipsos.

No need to clean

While it may seem like common courtesy to wash your vagina beforehand, Unsworth told Metro this week that women can skip the pre-appointment cleanse. If they don’t, they should avoid scrubbing themselves too much.

“Do not feel the need to excessively clean yourself — this can do more harm than good,” she explained. 

“External cleansing with water and simple non-fragranced products (ideally pH balanced for the vulva) is important for general hygiene, but do not over-wash, and definitely do not perform any internal douching,” Unsworth added.

No sex for you

Unsworth also recommends abstaining from sex for up to 24 hours before an appointment. 

Sex can lead to skin inflammation, she noted, thereby making it harder to diagnose certain conditions.

And while condoms may keep you safe from infections, some contain spermicide, which can alter vaginal pH levels.

Personal lubricants should be avoided as well, so cervical screening tests can be more accurate. 

Don’t worry, be hairy

There’s also no need to shave or wax before an appointment, Unsworth said.

The presence of pubic hair doesn’t prevent gynecologists from doing their jobs, and they aren’t judging you on your grooming techniques, she explained. 

“Full pubic or no hair at all — again, we have seen it all before! Do what makes you comfortable as that is what is important. We do not care what things look like,” Unsworth emphasized. 

She advises women to be honest with their health care providers, track their menstrual cycles, take note of any irregular bleeding — and not sweat the small stuff.

“I saw a recent article that mentioned the embarrassment of having a bit of toilet paper stuck to the vulva as the patient had been to the loo beforehand,” Unsworth said. “Again — we do not care about this! Go to the toilet before your exam so it is more comfortable, and don’t worry if a bit of paper gets stuck!”

She added: “We also do not care what you are wearing, including your underwear. Most of the time we won’t even look at it. As before, wear what makes you feel comfortable, and is also easy to take on and off.”