A pelvic exam is one of the many important services that your local gynecologist can provide. It's important to have this appointment regularly to be proactive about the health of your reproductive organs; the exact frequency of this appointment will depend on several factors. If you've recently scheduled your first pelvic exam with your gynecologist, there are a few simple things that you can do to be ready for the appointment.

Here are three ways to prepare for a pelvic exam.

Wash Yourself

You'll want to wash your genital region in a normal manner prior to your pelvic exam. It's not necessary to use a douche or other similar product. A combination of soap and water will suffice. Some people try to wash as close to their appointment as possible. For example, you might have your pelvic exam scheduled for late in the afternoon. Rather than washing in the morning and then going about your day until the appointment, you might opt to return home shortly before the appointment to have a shower so that you feel fresh when you meet with your gynecologist.

Urinate

It's important to urinate prior to the start of your pelvic exam, but this is something that you can do when you arrive at the medical clinic. Urinating will help you to feel more relaxed during the exam. If you have a full bladder, you might feel tense. You may wish to avoid drinking shortly before the exam begins. This way, you won't have to worry about an urge to go pee after you visit the bathroom for the final time before the exam. It can be useful to have a bottle of water handy to drink on the way home to ensure that you're adequately hydrated if you've drunk less than usual in the previous few hours.

Inquire About Your Period

Sometimes, you'll end up being scheduled for a pelvic exam when you have your period. It's generally a good idea to contact the medical clinic to explain the situation. In some cases, they'll move your pelvic exam back a few days so that your period is done by the time of the exam. You might feel more comfortable with this option, especially if you're experiencing cramps or other issues. If you're close to the end of your period and your bleeding is very light, the clinic may encourage you to keep your appointment if you feel comfortable doing so.

Reach out to a gynecologist to learn more.