Walking into a Memphis gynecologist’s office for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what will happen once you’re in the exam room. The good news? Your first visit is mostly a conversation designed to get to know you, understand your health, and build a foundation of care that lasts for years to come.
Comfort and open dialogue matter just as much as clinical excellence, and that belief shapes every appointment at Women’s Physician Group. Here’s what you can expect when you schedule your first appointment with our team.
A first gynecologist visit is an introductory appointment focused on your health history, current concerns, and establishing baseline reproductive care. It’s usually more of a conversation than a procedure, and for many younger patients, no pelvic exam is performed at all during the initial visit.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the first visit occur between ages 13 and 15, with annual well-woman visits starting in the early 20s. That said, there’s no wrong time to establish care. Whether you’re a teen coming in for education, a young adult with contraception questions, or a new Memphis resident looking for a trusted provider, your first appointment is where a long-term care relationship begins.
Serving women throughout Memphis, Germantown, and the mid south, Women’s Physician Group uses this visit to talk through menstrual health, contraception options, STI screening, and general wellness. It’s also your chance to ask questions, share concerns, and get comfortable with the provider who may care for you for years to come.
Your first visit typically runs 45 to 60 minutes and follows a predictable flow. Knowing what happens at each stage can ease first-appointment nerves and let you focus on getting the most out of your time with us.
Building a relationship with a local gynecologist offers advantages that extend well beyond a single appointment. When you choose Women’s Physician Group in Memphis, you gain a consistent partner in your health for decades.
With over 120 years of collective clinical practice among our physicians, you’re building a relationship with a team recognized among Memphis’ Top Doctors and honored with Patient Choice Awards.
Your first appointment and future annual visits share some similarities, but they’re not the same. Here’s a side-by-side look.
| Feature | First Visit | Annual Well-Woman Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | History, education, rapport | Preventive screening and wellness |
| Length | 45–60 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
| Pelvic exam | Often skipped if under 21 | Performed as clinically indicated |
| Pap smear | Only if age-appropriate (usually 21+) | Every 3–5 years per guidelines |
| Paperwork | Full intake and insurance verification | Brief updates only |
| Conversation depth | Detailed history-taking | Focused review of changes since last visit |
Your first visit is longer because your physician is learning your health history for the first time. Annual visits build on what we already know, focusing on what’s changed and what preventive care is due. As FACOG-credentialed providers, our team follows evidence-based guidelines for how often each screening should occur, so you’re never getting unnecessary tests or missing important ones.
Once you’ve completed your first visit, later appointments feel much more familiar. You’ll know the office, know your provider, and know what to expect the moment you walk in.
Wondering if it’s time to book your first appointment? Consider scheduling if any of the following apply to you:
If you’re not sure whether your concern warrants a visit, it probably does. Our team would rather see you for reassurance than have you wait on something important that could benefit from earlier attention.
On your first visit, a gynecologist will primarily talk with you about your medical history, menstrual cycle, sexual health, and any concerns you have. Depending on your age and symptoms, the visit may include a general physical exam, breast exam, and pelvic exam with a chaperone present. Pap smears and STI testing are performed when clinically indicated. For many younger patients, the first visit is entirely conversational with no pelvic exam performed.
For 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, avoid sexual intercourse, douching, using tampons, and applying vaginal creams or medications. These can affect the accuracy of a Pap smear or vaginal exam. It’s also best to schedule your visit when you’re not on your period, if possible, since menstrual flow can interfere with certain tests. If your period arrives unexpectedly, call our office to see whether to keep or reschedule.
Red flags to watch for include a provider who dismisses your concerns, rushes you through the visit, doesn’t offer a chaperone during sensitive exams, or makes you feel uncomfortable asking questions. A good gynecologist listens carefully, explains everything before doing it, and respects your right to pause or decline any part of the exam. At Women’s Physician Group, our commitment to excellent care with a patient touch means you should never feel unheard.
A first visit is a longer, conversation-focused appointment. You’ll check in, complete paperwork, have your vitals taken, then sit down (fully clothed) with your provider to discuss your health. If a physical exam is needed, you’ll change into a gown, and a chaperone will be present. The visit wraps up with a care plan discussion and any follow-up scheduling. Expect to be there about 45 to 60 minutes total.
Most first appointments take 45 to 60 minutes from check-in to checkout. This is longer than routine annual visits because your provider is gathering a full history and getting to know you. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork helps the appointment stay on schedule.
Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to bring a parent, partner, friend, or other support person to your appointment. A chaperone from our clinical team is also offered and present during pelvic and breast exams. If you’d prefer to speak with your provider privately for part of the visit, just let us know. Your comfort comes first.
Ready to share in the WPG experience? Women’s Physician Group welcomes new patients at our Midtown Memphis and Germantown offices. Our board certified physicians are here to provide excellent care with a patient touch, whether this is your very first visit or you’re establishing care with a new provider. Request an appointment through our patient portal today to get started.
