For many women, the word gynaecologist is still surrounded with fear and mystery. Studies show that the majority of women in Kenya and much of Sub Saharan Africa do not regularly visit gynaecologists for preventive care, with only a small minority accessing key services like cervical cancer screening. Nationwide survey data from the 2022 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey shows that only about 16.8 % of women of reproductive age have ever been screened for cervical cancer, a key preventative gynaecological service. This indicates that most women have not engaged with regular gynaecological services.
Other research estimates that cervical screening rates in Kenya range roughly from about 2.4 % to 16 %, depending on the population and location, and that rates are generally much lower in rural areas compared with urban settings. It is understandable then that those visiting for the first time might be filled with anxiety. It is rarely discussed openly at home, often being delayed until something feels serious. Actually, in these parts of the world, most women die without ever visiting a gyanaecologist. In some communities the myths are strong about how you only go if you are pregnant, that it will be unbearably painful, or worse, that it signals moral wrongdoing. But, none of this is true.
A gynaecology appointment is not a confession or an announcement of sexual activity. It is not something reserved for crisis. It is healthcare that is both preventative and practical, and nothing out of the ordinary.
Understanding what actually happens can turn fear into something far more manageable.
Most first appointments begin not with an examination, but with a conversation. The doctor will ask about your menstrual cycle: when it started, whether it is regular, whether you experience pain, heavy bleeding or unusual symptoms. You may be asked about your general medical history, medications you are taking, and whether you are sexually active. These questions are clinical questions and not meant to be judgmental. They are meant to build a clear picture of your health.
For adolescents, many first visits are simply educational. Global guidance from the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that reproductive health discussions can begin between ages 13 and 15. Often, this early visit involves no internal examination at all, just information and reassurance.
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If an examination is necessary, your doctor will explain each step. A general physical check may be conducted, sometimes including a breast exam. In certain cases a pelvic exam may be recommended. During a pelvic exam, the doctor examines the external genital area and may insert a medical instrument called a speculum to view the cervix. It can feel uncomfortable, but it should not be sharply painful. plus, the procedure is usually brief.
For women over 21, or depending on local medical advice, a Pap smear may be performed. This simple screening test checks for early changes that could lead to cervical cancer. It takes only a few minutes, and though it may feel awkward, it is one of the most important preventative tests available to women.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that consent is central. You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to request a female doctor. You can ask for a nurse to be present. You can ask the provider to explain what they are doing before they do it. And you can stop the examination at any point. Your comfort matters.
Preparing for your appointment can also ease anxiety. It helps to schedule it for a time when you are not on your heaviest menstrual flow, unless abnormal bleeding is the reason for your visit. Shower as you normally would, but avoid douching or using internal cleansing products, as these can interfere with medical assessment. Writing down symptoms or questions beforehand can ensure you do not forget anything once you are in the room.
Beyond the clinical details lies something rarely acknowledged: the emotional weight of the visit. In societies where women’s bodies are policed and sexuality is scrutinized, seeking reproductive care can feel like crossing an invisible line. Some women fear being judged while others worry about confidentiality. But healthcare providers are bound by professional ethics to protect your privacy. Their role is to treat and not moralizing.
Delaying care out of fear can have real consequences. Untreated infections can lead to complications and hormonal disorders may go unnoticed for years. Cervical cancer, one of the most preventable cancers among women, can often be detected early through routine screening. Preventative visits are not about expecting the worst but protecting your future health.
The first appointment is often the hardest because it is unfamiliar. But like many fears, it tends to shrink once faced. Many women leave their first visit relieved or even surprised at how straightforward and uneventful it actually was.
Seeing a gynaecologist does not mean something is wrong…. It simply means you are taking responsibility for your health.
