Most women know how important routine gynecologist visits are, yet many still delay them. The reasons are relatable — feeling embarrassed, nervous, or simply uncomfortable with such a personal exam. After all, no one enjoys being undressed on a chilly table beneath bright lights. But skipping these appointments can put your health at risk. Regular checkups help catch problems early, support reproductive health, and ensure everything in your body is functioning properly.
The good news is that you can make the whole experience far less stressful by understanding what you should and shouldn’t do beforehand. Knowing how to prepare — and what habits to avoid — can help ease anxiety and make your exam go smoothly.
First and foremost, try not to stress. It’s completely normal to feel uneasy before a gynecological exam. Many women do. The idea of lying there in a vulnerable position is never fun. But remind yourself that your doctor’s goal isn’t to judge you; it’s to help you stay healthy. They aren’t focused on your appearance, body hair, or whether your toenails are polished. They see patients of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds every single day. What matters to them is your reproductive health, your menstrual patterns, your sexual well-being, and identifying any issues that may need attention.
If you find yourself fixating on how you look, take a breath and let that worry go. Your gynecologist isn’t inspecting you for beauty standards. What is important is communication. Be honest about any symptoms you’re experiencing, questions you have, or concerns about your sexual and menstrual health. Transparency helps your doctor provide the best care possible.
As for hygiene, a quick shower beforehand is perfectly fine — but avoid going overboard. Skip fragranced washes, feminine sprays, or vaginal douching. These products can upset your natural pH balance, trigger irritation, or even hide signs of an infection your doctor needs to identify. Simple and gentle is the best approach.
It’s also smart to avoid sexual intercourse for about 24 hours before your visit. Sex can affect the accuracy of certain tests, especially Pap smears, by introducing outside substances or altering cell samples. Likewise, hold off on using vaginal creams or suppositories unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to use them.
Try not to book your exam during your period unless the appointment is urgent. While doctors can technically still examine you, menstrual blood can interfere with test results or make it harder to get a clear view. If your period shows up unexpectedly and it’s light, your clinic may still move forward — but if you’re bleeding heavily, rescheduling is usually the better option.
Avoid using tampons or menstrual cups for a full day before the visit. Leaving the area free of inserted products helps your doctor examine the cervix and vaginal walls properly.
Another thing many people feel unnecessary pressure about: grooming. You do not have to shave or wax. In fact, doing so right before your appointment can cause irritation and sensitivity. If you prefer to groom, do it a couple of days before. But truly — your doctor doesn’t care whether you shaved or not.
Lastly, keep perfume, body lotions, and strong scents to a minimum. These products can be overwhelming in a small exam room and may mask natural odors that help your doctor detect infections.