Gyno Anxiety

To lower the freak factor, here's a heads-up about what you can expect during your visit (in about the order it happens).

• The nurse will weigh you, take your blood pressure and hand you an elegant (not!) paper gown.
• You'll change into the oversized napkin (the opening's in front), taking off your bra and undies.
• When the doctor comes in, she'll quiz you on your medical and sexual history. Some questions are pretty personal, like if you've had sex, if you've ever had an STD and whether you smoke or do drugs. No worries, your responses will be kept confidential-so be honest, for your own sake.
• Next comes the physical exam. (If your gynecologist is male, a female nurse may be in the room for this part.) The doctor will listen to your heart, and then you'll lie down on the table and put your feet in chilly metal stirrups.