GYNECOLOGICAL APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Before Your Visit | Annual GYN Exam
The following information is provided for our patients coming in for their annual Well Woman Exam or other Gynecologic services.
Preparation for a Pap Smear or other vaginal exams:
The Pap Smear test may show abnormal results when a woman is healthy or normal results in a woman with cervical abnormalities some 25% of the time. It may even miss up to 5% of cervical cancers. Though, most women are not routinely advised to make any special preparations for a Pap Smear test, some simple preparations may help to ensure that the results are reliable. Among the measures that may help increase test reliability are:
| • | Avoiding sexual intercourse the day before the test |
| • | Avoiding douches 48 hours before the test |
| • | Avoiding vaginal creams or medications one week before the test. |
| • | It is helpful to know the date and results of your last Pap Smear test, any history of abnormal Pap Smear tests, date of last menstrual period and any irregularity, use of hormones and birth control, family history of gynecologic disorders, and any vaginal symptoms. These topics are relevant to the interpretation of the Pap test, especially if any abnormalities are detected. |
| • | Right before the Pap Smear test, the woman should empty her bladder to avoid discomfort during the procedure. |
Aftercare
Harmless cervical bleeding is possible immediately after the test; some women may need to use a sanitary napkin. You should also be sure to comply with the Clinician’s instructions for follow-up visits and any needed retests.
Want to learn more? Check our Women's Health Resources page.
Additional info on PAP Smear and Cervical Cancer?
Preparation for Colposcopy , Cryosurgery, Laser and LEEP treatments for abnormal Pap:
| • | Avoiding sexual intercourse the day before the procedure |
| • | Avoiding douches 48 hours before the preocedure |
| • | Avoiding vaginal creams or medications one week before the procedure |
| If NOT having anesthesia – you will be AWAKE, you can: | |
| • | eat lightly 1 hour prior to your appointment |
| • | Take Tylenol or Motrin 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. |
| If HAVING anesthesia – you will be ASLEEP, you must: | |
| • | NOT eat, drink, chew gum (FULL NPO) 6 hours prior to your appointment. Be sure to drink water before NPO time. |
| • | Please bring someone with you to drive you home...you cannot drive yourself home. |
| • | Plan to be at the center at least 1 hour. You will have a 15 minute recover time in the patient lounge. |
Aftercare
Harmless cervical bleeding and some discomfort is possible immediately
after the procedure; some women may need to use a sanitary napkin. You
should also be sure to comply with the Clinician’s instructions
for follow-up visits and any needed retests. You will be given an aftercare
instructions that include no sexual activity for at lest 1 week.
Preparation for IUD insertion:
Appointments for IUD's should be scheduled between day 5 and 9 of your
cycle. (count the beginning of your cycle from the first day of your menstrual
bleeding). Plan to be at the center for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
| • | Avoiding sexual intercourse the day before insertion |
| • | Avoiding douches 48 hours before the insertion |
| • | Avoiding vaginal creams or medications one week before the test |
| • | Eat lightly prior to your appointment |
| • | Take Tylenol or Motrin 30 minutes prior to your appointment time |
Aftercare
Harmless spotting or bleeding and light cramping is possible immediately
after; some women may need to use a sanitary napkin. You should also be
sure to comply with the Clinician’s instructions for follow-up visits.
Sexual Activity should be discontinued for 3 days.
