Well, it is scary, but try to go to a female doctor. You will feel way more comfortable. And trust me, they don't "look" in the way that you fear. They are professionals.
Ummmm, well, you lay on the bed and put your feet in the stirrups. They insert a plastic or metal "clamp?" into you and then slowly open it up. If you relax it does not hurt at all. Then, they take a long q-tip and take a sample from your cervix. Then, they usually poke around a little with their hands just to make sure you dont have any pain.
It will make you feel gross, but it is necessary. And it isn't as bad as you would think. But, try to relax during the exam, because when you tense up it is more uncomfortable.
Aside from the exam being necessary for birth control, it can catch cancer cells early, which is very important. Good luck. I hope this helped, I have never described the "exam" before!Lol.

if you've already started having sex without sorting out birth control be very careful. You could get pregnant, get stds and then a doctor will need to examine you, right. If you are mature enough to have sex you have to be mature enough to take care of your body. You shouldn't be afraid of having an exam because everybody needs it sometime. It's part of growing up and taking responsibility for your own body. Good luck

I had my first gyno visit a few months ago, and it wasn't nearly as terrible as what I thought it would be. Like other women suggested, try to get a female doctor. It may make you feel more comfortable. At the exam, they'll probably give you a urine test, check your blood pressure and your blood, and you'll be asked to disrobe and put a gown on. The exam itself doesn't hurt that much, but it is a little uncomfortable. (hotasfrick pretty much described what happens). It's a very quick procedure. I'd say my exam took 5 minutes if that.

If there's a planned parenthood in your neighborhood, you may want to check it out. It's where I went and the people are friendly. Do some research on different methods of birth control to see what kind might be best for you. Planned parenthood's website discusses each kind in great detail.

Good luck!

Just to add on the previous descriptions by hotasfrick and rabiddustbunnie, (which were right on target) the whole exam is less than 5 minutes. It is not scary, you just might feel a little discomfort. You'll be in the waiting area way longer then your check up will actually take. It really isn't a big deal at all. And, it is very important appointment.

What everyone has told you has been right. But in my experience, male docs are usually much more sensitive when it comes to poking around down there. Sure you may be a little bit more uncomfortable in the beginning, but I think have a male doc who'll go slow, beats a female doc who feel it isn't a big deal because she has them all the time.

Just something to consider.

Ms_chatz

Yeah, it really does all depend on the individual doctor. I personally found every male gyno I ever saw to be very insensitive. They were rougher and not as concerned or understanding about my questions. But on that same note, I have been to female gynos who were also not very gentle. So, it may take you a couple of times to find a gyno that is right for you! Mine just happens to be female!

I prefer getting a male gyn. Every male doc I have had has always been gental when hes down there always explanins what he is going to do. I have had 1 female doctor and she hurt me she was so rough. I dont think I will ever have another female gyn because of the 1 doctor.

My gyno appointments never hurt me at all and i'm not even sexually active! If you've had sex before or used a tampon, you know that being relaxed makes for a smooth insertion. That's what you got to remember when you have your appointment, just relax. It helps me not to know what they're inserting. Infact, I don't think i've ever looked at the thing they insert into me. It's about three mintues tops... Maybe less...Doctors are very comforting. You can tell them pretty much anything and they've probably heard it a thousand times!

As far as gaining weight, the pill has a slightly smaller averge weight gain for those that do gain weight than those who gain weight on the shot. However, notice I said, "those who do gain weight" . It's both a side affect to gain weight or to lose weight! Remain active in exercise and eat right!