Hi everyone! I just moved to Spain not long ago and recently wasn’t feeling well, so I had to brave a visit to the gynecologist. The whole experience was a tough mix of using translation apps and hand gestures! After I got back, I decided to compile all the relevant words and phrases I encountered and looked up, hoping to help others who might be facing the same challenge.
Appointments and Basic Communication
The first step to seeing a doctor is making an appointment. Whether you’re going to a public hospital or a private clinic, you might need these phrases when booking over the phone or in person:
- I would like to make an appointment with a gynecologist: Quisiera pedir una cita con el/la ginecólogo/a.
- What are your symptoms?: ¿Qué síntomas tiene?
- Do you have private health insurance?: ¿Tiene seguro médico privado?
When you get to the reception desk, they will ask for your ID and health insurance card. Remember that “ginecólogo” is a male doctor and “ginecóloga” is a female doctor. If you prefer to see a female doctor, you can specifically request one when making the appointment.
Describing Symptoms and Discomfort
This is the most crucial and often the most difficult part of a gynecology in Spain visit. Accurately describing your condition during the consultation is very important. I’ve organized some common symptoms into a table for easy reference:
| English Description | Spanish |
|---|
| Irregular periods | Menstruación irregular / Regla irregular |
| Menstrual pain / cramps | Dolor menstrual / Dismenorrea |
| Abnormal vaginal discharge | Flujo vaginal anormal |
| Itching | Picor / Picazón |
| Abdominal pain | Dolor abdominal |
| Trying to conceive | Buscando un embarazo |
| Contraception consultation | Consulta de anticonceptivos |
The doctor might also ask for the date of your last menstrual period and the length of your cycle. It’s best to have this information ready. For example, you can say: “Mi última regla fue el 10 de mayo.”.
Common Examinations and Tests
After you describe your symptoms, the doctor will usually schedule some tests. Don’t panic if you hear unfamiliar terms; many of them are routine procedures:
- Pelvic exam: This is the most basic check-up.
- Ultrasound: This is divided into abdominal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound.
- Pap smear / TCT: A very important screening for cervical cancer.
- Blood test: Used to check hormone levels and other indicators.
- Urine test: Often used to check for pregnancy or infections.
During the examination, the nurse will give you instructions like “túmbese aquí” and “relájese”. Don’t worry if you don’t understand; they are usually very patient and will use gestures to guide you. I hope this guide is a small help, and I welcome others with experience to add their tips below. By sharing and communicating, we can all live a more secure and healthy life in Spain! ❤️
