By Brooke Naranjo

A GYNECOLOGY (GYN) EXAM, also called a female exam, is a clinic visit that focuses on the female body—mainly the female reproductive organs (breast, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). Some pediatricians and primary care providers can perform these visits, but often girls prefer to go to an OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist). OB-GYNs are doctors who specialize in women’s health, pregnancy, and post pregnancy care. GYN exams will cover questions you may have regarding the female reproductive organs, female hormones, your menstrual cycle, menstrual pain, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, or your breasts. Every clinic and visit are different, but here is a general overview to help you navigate the world of stirrups, speculums, and pap smears.

Making an Appointment

When you call the clinic, let them know whether you are a new or returning patient.
Provide a brief reason for your visit. You can give as much or as little information as you like, whatever makes you comfortable. Some examples: “I have cramps with my period.” “I need to get tested for STDs.” “I want to learn about my options for contraception.”
You may need your insurance and contact information. Let them know if you have Medicaid or CHIP.
Ask if there’s anything else you will need for your visit, such as medical records or a list of current medications.

The Visit

Again, this process can vary, but it typically consists of the following phases:

CHECK-IN: This part will be completed by clerical staff. You will be provided with privacy guidelines explaining confidentiality, you will be asked to share your phone number and address, and your picture may be taken. Sharing your phone number is important. This is how your provider will contact you regarding lab results.
TRIAGE: You will be greeted by the medical assistant or nurse to take your vital signs: weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Most likely, you will be asked when the first day of your last menstrual cycle (period) was and will need to collect a urine sample. If you need to use the restroom while you’re in the waiting room, ask for a cup, just in case (so you don’t empty your bladder before they ask you for a urine sample five minutes later).
AFTER YOUR TRIAGE IS COMPLETED, you will be escorted to an exam room, where you will be asked to share your medical history to assist the provider with your care. Medical history includes: medication, allergies, and medical, surgical, family and social histories.
THE PROVIDER WILL COME IN to get detailed information about the reason for your visit. If you brought someone with you, they may be asked to step out briefly.
DEPENDING ON THE REASON FOR YOUR VISIT, the provider may ask you to change into a gown for an exam. This could include a breast exam (although breast cancer is very rare in teens) as well as an exam of your inner and outer reproductive organs.

The Two Ps: PELVIC and PAP

A lot of fear is created around the pelvic exam and Pap test.

Before you panic and cancel your appointment, we encourage you to take deep breaths and remember that everyone’s experience is different… and it’ll all be over before you know it!

Not all adolescent gynecology visits require a pelvic exam or Pap test. A pelvic exam may be required if you’re experiencing pelvic pain or there are any other concerns about the health of your female organs. A pelvic exam allows the provider to look at the inner and outer reproductive organs. This is done by completing a visual exam, physical exam, and bimanual exam.

What to Expect from Your First Pelvic Exam

You’ll be lying on your back with your feet in stirrups
The outside of the vagina (vulva) is examined
Speculum (can be metal or plastic) is inserted into the vagina opening so the provider can look at the vaginal walls and cervix
Bimanual exam: two fingers are inserted into the vagina to feel the uterus and ovaries (the provider will press down gently on your belly with the other hand)

The other p word:

A “Pap” is a test performed during a pelvic exam. Pap tests screen for cervical cancer. Some girls are told that they will need a Pap once they are sexually active. This is no longer the recommendation. A Pap test should be done at least yearly in all healthy females 21 years and older. Girls who have a weak immune system (such as girls who are HIV positive) may require a Pap before 21 and more frequently. If you believe this applies to you, talk with your provider.

What to Expect from Your First Pap Test

After the speculum is in place…

A soft brush is inserted into the vagina to collect cells from the cervix
The brush is placed in solution and sent to a lab

You might be a little uncomfortable during the exam, but none of this should hurt! Just breathe and try to relax.

GYN visits may take up to 45 minutes to an hour, although the pelvic exam typically only lasts a few minutes. It will depend on your provider, the type of exam, and whether you’re a new or returning patient.

Brooke Naranjo is a family nurse practitioner and member of the REAL team at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. The mission of Reproductive Education + Advocacy Louisiana [REAL] is to improve adolescents’ access and utilization of comprehensive, accessible, and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive healthcare services by enhancing knowledge, expanding training, and growing advocacy capacity of current and future healthcare providers.

Teen-Friendly NOLA Clinics

Clinics that serve adolescents usually focus on the reproductive health needs of adolescents and young adults but may also provide primary care services. The ages served vary depending on the clinic, but they usually include preteens (11 or 12 years old), teens (12-17 years old), and young adults (18-24 years old).

Kids First Tiger Care Canal
1661 Canal St., Suite 1200
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 299-9980

Children’s Pediatrics Westbank
829 Barataria Blvd.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 368-7337

Adolescent Medicine Clinic at Children’s Hospital
200 Henry Clay Ave., Suite 3020
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 896-2888

Tulane Adolescent and Young Adult Health
711 N. Broad St.
New Orleans LA 70119
(504) 988-0000

Crescent Care
1631 Elysian Fields Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 207-2273

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Jefferson Parish – Marrero
1855 Ames Blvd.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 349-8802 ext. 237

Jefferson Parish – Metairie
111 N. Causeway Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 838-5100 ext. 139

Orleans Parish
Delgado Personal Health Clinic
517 N. Rampart St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 658-2540

Planned Parenthood
4636 S. Claiborne Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70125
(504) 897-9200

St. Thomas Community Health Center
1936 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 529-5558

LSU/Crescent Care Sexual Health Center
3308 Tulane Ave., 5th floor
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 293-6899
Note: This center only offers STD testing; it does not provide birth control.

Access Health Louisiana
234 Loyola Ave., Suite 300B
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 226-2976

EXCELth

New Orleans East
9900 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite F
New Orleans, LA 70127
(504) 620-0500

Gentilly
2050 Caton St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 620-9868

Algiers
4422 General Meyer Ave., Suite 103
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 526-1179

School-Based Health Centers

SBHCs provide STD testing and birth control education. These facilities cannot prescribe birth control.

SBHCs that provide care to all adolescents in the community:

Sci High
5625 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 613-5648

SBHCs that only provide care to students that attend their schools:

ORLEANS PARISH

Cohen College Prep
3520 Dryades St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 613-5648

Warren Easton
3036 Iberville St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 324-7880

ST. BERNARD PARISH

Chalmette High School
1100 E. Judge Perez Dr.
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 333-6988

JEFFERSON PARISH

Bonnabel High School
2801 Bruin Dr.
Kenner, LA 70065
(504) 303-6676

John Ehret High School
4300 Patriot St.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 371-1318

Riverdale High School
240 Riverdale Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 834-5026

West Jefferson High School
2200 8th St.
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 367-4407

Have important questions ready (write them down) before going to your appointment, remember you are in control of your visit.

Express Yourself

Visual Arts: Fall-Winter 2023

The Stages of Grief

Be Well

Yoga: Partner Poses

Saqqarah’s Brownies

Resources for Your Mental Health