Some women make their gynecologist their primary medical practitioner, whereas others may have a general or family practitioner and see a gynecologist only for care relating to reproductive issues and concerns. Regardless of whether a gynecologist serves as a primary or specialty doctor, it is recommended that females have their first gynecological exam approximately 2 years after beginning menstruation (also called menses. A typical first gynecological examination begins with a careful medical history. Along with establishing a record of important information, a history-taking gives women the opportunity to become more comfortable with their doctor before the physical portion of the examination begins.

In the first and subsequent annual examinations, the nurse or doctor does a routine physical examination. Generally it consists of measuring height and weight, taking the blood pressure, listening to the heart and lungs, examining the thyroid gland, breasts and abdomen, and possibly taking specimens for routine blood and urine laboratory tests, including screening for sexually transmitted diseases.