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(JD) · Sep 07, 2011, 08:08 PM

I agree that the first time is scary. But it is quickly done. Think about the shows on tv that have doctors doing what they do in them... Grey's Anatomy for one... they are just doing their job, which they love because it's caring for people and helping them stay healthy or get healthy.

If you've had any bad experiences that were personal, revealing, sexual etc that is making you feel worse about this than what might be "normal" try and tell the nurse this beforehand... just that you're uncomfortable etc...

You'll be okay though.

The paper gown you put on with the open in the front. But you can tie it closed, so there is SOME privacy. If it's a male doctor, ask for a nurse to join you... or ask the nurse beforehand (who gives you the gown) to be in there during the exam .

The doctor might ask you questions while doing the exam, and that helps take your mind off the actual procedures... stuff like do you do self exams, etc. Sometimes doctors have funny pictures on the ceiling (comics?) to help ease the process.

They do check both openings, though, so be prepared for that. A good doctor will tell you exactly what he/she is going to do right beforehand.

Afterwards, they'll hand you a wad of tissue to wipe all the white cream they use ... I think they use too much on purpose, just to make it so you don't feel much.

Let's see, they'll press on your abdomen and feel around for any extra swelling or lumps too.

Probably afterwards you'll dress and then you'll go to the doctor's own office room and discuss things... have a list if you have questions because you probably won't remember them on your own!

It really is very short in time... a few minutes at most.