Can a gynecologist tell if I masturbate? It is my first visit to the gynecologist, what should I be prepared for?

Smiling doctor talking to her patient in an office at the hospitalYour health care provider will not be able to tell if you masturbate (when a person stimulates or “plays with themselves” for sexual pleasure).  If your vulva or vagina is very irritated (red or swollen), the health care provider may ask about masturbation but usually such signs are caused by a vaginal infection. If you have inserted something such as a sex toy into your vagina, your hymen may have a tiny indentation that is not very visible. What is most important to know is both girls and guys masturbate and it’s a normal.

If you are having your first pelvic exam, check out this guide for all the information you’ll need to be prepared: