You will go into an examination room, where you’ll undress and put on a paper or cloth gown. A health care provider will come into the room for the exam. (If you would prefer a clinician of a particular gender, you can request that ahead of time. In most cases, a female nurse will be present in the room during the exam regardless of the gender of the doctor.)

Your gynecologist will listen to your heart and lungs and may ask you to lie on your back for a breast exam. Some gynecologists will teach you how to examine your own breasts and feel for any unusual lumps or swellings that might need medical care. Because it is common for girls’ breasts to be naturally lumpy during their early teen years, some gynecologists choose not to do a breast exam and say it’s not necessary for younger teens to do breast self exams. Knowing what is normal for your body, however, is important and can make it easier to recognize when something is wrong.