The speculum is a metal or plastic instrument that looks sort of like tongs and is designed to hold the walls of the vagina apart so the doctor can look inside. Having a speculum put in can be uncomfortable, especially if you are tense. Deep, even breaths will relax your muscles. The doctor will look into your vagina to make sure everything looks healthy and normal, checking for redness and inflammation of the vaginal walls (signs of infection); for cuts, tears, or cysts in the cervix; and for unusual discharge. Buy the book!

Q: If I have some things I'm embarrassed or ashamed to tell you about, what do you recommend?

A: Basically, most gynecologists have heard everything! We are not embarrassed by anything, and there is no question that's too strange because we've usually heard it before. The patient who feels very guilty about something should know we've heard it from other patients, and they should feel free to talk to us frankly so we can give them the best health care possible. So I encourage patients to ask all the questions they like.

I'll ask young patients if they have any questions about sex, birth control, libido, anything. I think that there are many questions you may ask your friend but you don't necessarily get the correct answer!