Re: Gynecological Exams in Switzerland: What to expect



Big difference no. 1: There are no gowns given, not even the terrible little paper gowns that don't cover much of anything. Also, there's no blanket to put over your lap. The first time, I was asked to remove my clothing, which I did, right in front of the (horrified) doctor . I didn't notice the little corner with the curtain. Apparently, if there's a curtain or screen, you're supposed to go over there, drop your drawers, and then parade back to the exam table.



Big difference no. 2: First exam when pregnant involves a transvaginal exam. For those who come from the US, you'll remember this from abortion debates. For those who weren't following, it involves a condom put over the ultrasound probe. I actually asked, "IS THAT A CONDOM?!" This is as uncomfortable as you may imagine.



Big difference no. 3: Doctors, in my experience, are more...uh...direct. I've never had the speculum warmed up here, and they don't really tell you what they're doing in the slow, gentle way they do in the US. It seems pretty invasive, and I moved here when I was 32, so I'd been to many gyn exams before. If you're worried, tell them that you're nervous and you want to be informed of every move they make-don't assume they'll take it slow.



Ladies who need birth control refills immediately: Go to a pharmacy and explain that you're in an emergency situation-you're running out of pills and your doctor's appointment isn't until next week. Most pharmacies will give you one month's extension, even without a prescription.



Ladies who need the morning after pill: You can ask your gynecologist for a prescription (some carry it in their offices-mine does) before you need it. It's a good idea to have one stashed in your medicine cabinet, just in case.



Ladies who are pregnant (wanted pregnancy): It's pretty normal to wait and see your OB until you've missed 2 periods. If you're not already on prenatal vitamins, get them asap from your local pharmacy or drug store. Here's my experience as an American woman who moved to CH:Big difference no. 1: There are no gowns given, not even the terrible little paper gowns that don't cover much of anything. Also, there's no blanket to put over your lap. The first time, I was asked to remove my clothing, which I did, right in front of the (horrified) doctor. I didn't notice the little corner with the curtain. Apparently, if there's a curtain or screen, you're supposed to go over there, drop your drawers, and then parade back to the exam table.Big difference no. 2: First exam when pregnant involves a transvaginal exam. For those who come from the US, you'll remember this from abortion debates. For those who weren't following, it involves a condom put over the ultrasound probe. I actually asked, "IS THAT A CONDOM?!" This is as uncomfortable as you may imagine.Big difference no. 3: Doctors, in my experience, are more...uh...direct. I've never had the speculum warmed up here, and they don't really tell you what they're doing in the slow, gentle way they do in the US. It seems pretty invasive, and I moved here when I was 32, so I'd been to many gyn exams before. If you're worried, tell them that you're nervous and you want to be informed of every move they make-don't assume they'll take it slow.Ladies who need birth control refills immediately: Go to a pharmacy and explain that you're in an emergency situation-you're running out of pills and your doctor's appointment isn't until next week. Most pharmacies will give you one month's extension, even without a prescription.Ladies who need the morning after pill: You can ask your gynecologist for a prescription (some carry it in their offices-mine does) before you need it. It's a good idea to have one stashed in your medicine cabinet, just in case.Ladies who are pregnant (wanted pregnancy): It's pretty normal to wait and see your OB until you've missed 2 periods. If you're not already on prenatal vitamins, get them asap from your local pharmacy or drug store. __________________

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