I do not agree with waiting until you're 21. I would 18 at the youngest. I have never had a female assistant in the room when my doc is male. The only time was when I got a hysterosonogram and the med student had to be introduced to it so they asked me.

Because you are 18 they will probably do an std test for several of the common ones - sexually active or not - people lie sometimes...

Just be open and honest! I think zbmom is making it out to be very scary and it's really not. Have the doc explain every second of the examination - what they're doing and why they're doing it.

And they actually don't have to do the scrape test for a pap smear anymore. There is a new kind of test that is not painful at all.

In my experience I am in there about 10 mins. Quick cervix and uterus test, quick breast exam, ask my questions and I'm on my merry way. Tell the doc about your concerns. They deal with this on an everyday basis. I'm sure whatever question you ask - they've heard worse!

Same goes with your question about shaving. However you THINK you look down there - they have seen worse lol. Keep in mind people come in with STDs that are NOT pretty to look at. They are there to help not judge! And if you feel uncomfortable - ask for a different doc. Do not allow them to do anything you are uncomfortable with. Good luck!