I went for my first gynecologist visit after I got my first period, and she just acted like the blood coming out of my vagina was normal, so I did too. Complete honesty without shame? Sign me up. Got a question about a new smell? Ask it. Before you make your first appointment, we found out exactly what you should know before your first gyno visit by talking to Sherry Ross , M.

You want your gyno to be approachable, attentive and knowledgeable. After all, she might be the same doctor who will guide you through pregnancy—and maybe even delivery—not to mention menopause, your sexual health and more. Your vagina is like a self-cleaning oven—it naturally regulates healthy bacteria that help protect it from infections and irritations. Douching, a practice that involves squirting a mixture of fluids like water and vinegar up the vagina, can actually encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.

If you have a vagina , seeing a gynecologist is a crucial part of maintaining good health. It can also be kind of weird if when you're looking for a new gynecologist, you take a mental step back and are like, "Hm, just shopping for a stranger to show my vagina to. But good gynecologists truly don't care about the aesthetic things that preoccupy many patients.

For many teens and women, seeing a gynecologist for the first time can be a daunting and fearful prospect. Follow along as we let you know what to expect and answer some common questions related to seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Many recommend that girls see a gynecologist for the first time somewhere between the ages of 13 and Your doctor will thoroughly explain everything they do, and will likely be friendly and talkative, putting you at ease the entire time.