First visit to a gynaecologist — what happens and how to prepare?

A first visit to a gynaecologist is above all a conversation: about your cycle, any symptoms, contraception and the questions you want to ask. An internal examination is done only when it is needed, and always with your consent. There is no special preparation — it is enough to know the date of your last period and to bring any test results you have.

When to book a first visit

There is no single right age. As a guide, it is worth thinking about a first visit:

• at around 15–16, even without symptoms — as a conversation about puberty, periods and hygiene,
• after becoming sexually active — to discuss contraception and screening,
• with symptoms at any age: painful or irregular periods, heavy bleeding, itching, discharge, pain in the lower abdomen,
• if periods have not started by 15–16, or have stopped for several months,
• before a planned pregnancy, or if you think you may be pregnant.

If you are an adult who has not seen a gynaecologist for years, this is also a good time. It is never “too late” for a first or a next visit, and a regular smear test and ultrasound scan are among the simplest forms of preventive care.

What the visit involves

The conversation. The doctor will ask about the date of your last period, how regular and heavy your cycle is, any symptoms, past illnesses, medicines you take, allergies and — where relevant — sexual activity and contraception. These are routine questions that help decide which examinations are needed. You only need to answer what you are comfortable with.

The gynaecological examination. This is done only when needed, and after the doctor explains what it involves. For girls who are not sexually active, a vaginal examination is usually not performed — the organs can be assessed through the abdomen or with an abdominal ultrasound scan. The examination takes a few minutes. You can ask for a pause at any time.

Ultrasound. A scan lets the doctor assess the uterus and ovaries. In sexually active women it is usually done transvaginally (with a probe placed in the vagina, which does not hurt); otherwise through the abdomen, sometimes with a full bladder.

Smear test. Taking cells from the cervix takes a matter of seconds. It is usually recommended from the age of 25, or around three years after becoming sexually active; the doctor decides on the timing. At Sonar Clinic we use liquid-based cytology (LBC), which allows an HPV test to be run on the same sample if needed.

At the end, the doctor goes through the findings, any prescriptions and when to come back. The whole visit takes around 20 minutes.

What to bring and how to prepare

• The date of your last period — the doctor will ask at the start; check your calendar or app beforehand.
• A list of medicines you take, including supplements and contraception.
• Previous results, if you have any: smear tests, ultrasound scans, blood tests, hospital discharge letters.
• Your questions — write them down, as they are easy to forget in the consulting room.
• An identity document, and for a patient under 18 — a parent or guardian present, or their consent (see below).

You do not need to fast. If a smear test is planned, avoid vaginal medicines and douching for 2 days beforehand and choose a date outside your period. Wear something comfortable — only the lower half of your clothing is removed for the examination.

Visits for patients under 18

Many teenagers ask whether a parent has to be there. In Poland the rules, in simplified form, are:

• under 16 — a legal representative (parent or legal guardian) must consent to examination and treatment,
• between 16 and 18 — both the patient and her guardian must consent (so-called double consent),
• from 18 — the patient decides for herself.

In practice this means that for a first visit by a patient under 18, a parent or guardian needs to be present or to provide written consent. It is worth confirming the details when booking.

A parent being present does not mean they have to take part in the whole visit. A teenager can ask to speak with the doctor alone, and any examination — if one is needed — is carried out with respect for her privacy. The doctor explains each step and does nothing against the patient’s wishes.

When not to delay

Book the earliest available appointment if:

• periods have not started by the age of 15–16,
• bleeding is very heavy, prolonged or occurs between periods,
• pain in the lower abdomen is severe or sudden,
• you have discharge with an unpleasant smell, burning or itching,
• you have had unprotected sex and want to discuss emergency contraception — here hours matter, not days,
• you think you may be pregnant.

How it works at Sonar Clinic

First visits are conducted by Barbara Ossowska, MD — a doctor in gynaecology and obstetrics training, who also looks after young patients from the age of 13–14. The visit takes place within gynaecology and obstetrics and lasts around 20 minutes.

Available appointment options:

• Gynaecological consultation — 220 PLN,
• Gynaecological consultation + ultrasound — 290 PLN,
• Gynaecological consultation + LBC smear — 350 PLN,
• Gynaecological consultation + ultrasound + LBC smear — 430 PLN.

The full list, including options with an HPV test, is in the price list. If you are not sure which to choose, book a plain consultation — you and the doctor can decide on any tests together on the day.

To book, call +48 880 018 703 or use online booking on the doctor’s profile. Sonar Clinic is at ul. Gubińska 8A, Wrocław. Consultations are held in Polish; please let us know when booking if you need language support.