Gyno exam

A pelvic exam involves physically and visually examining the gyno exam reproductive and sexual organs. It allows a doctor to look for signs of infection and illness. They will examine the:.

The pelvic exam is a vital part of every woman's preventative care and is also important towards making a number of diagnoses when presenting with abdominal or pelvic complaints. Here we cover each aspect of the pelvic exam and demonstrate both in text and in our video how this done. The main equipment you will use is the speculum so it's important for you to understand the most commonly used types. These include the:. Example of a Grave's or Duckbill speculum which is a little wider, often used for prodecures. Image credit.

Gyno exam

Crystal M. Newby, MD. The thought of having your first gynecology exam might be nerve wracking, but it is a straightforward and quick procedure that is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Once you understand the purpose of the annual well woman exam and what it involves, you will realize that there is nothing to worry or be embarrassed about. The purpose of your routine annual gynecology exam is to allow a health care provider to check your female organs to ensure and maintain good gynecological health. The physical portion of the exam takes about 10 minutes and there is a time before and after the exam to ask and answer any questions you and your health care provider might have. Women should start receiving annual gynecology exams between the ages of 18 and 21, or when they become sexually active. However, if you are experiencing any gynecological symptoms, you should schedule an exam sooner. Such symptoms include irregularities in the menstrual cycle , unusual or severe vaginal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge , swelling, tenderness, sores, lumps, or itching, or unusual changes in the breast. When making your first appointment, it is helpful to tell your gynecologist that this is your first gynecological exam. Your health care provider knows that many women feel nervous about gynecology exams, and they will help you to relax and understand the process. It is also perfectly acceptable to have a female family member or friend accompany you during your appointment and, if you would prefer, you can always request an additional nurse chaperone. Otherwise, there is not much you have to do to prepare for a pelvic exam.

A third person called a chaperone might be in the exam room with you and your doctor.

The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina vaginal canal make up the female reproductive system. A pelvic exam checks the health of the reproductive organs. You might have a pelvic exam as part of your regular checkup. Not everyone needs the exam every year though. Some doctors recommend it only for certain reasons, such as having discharge from the vagina, pelvic pain or other symptoms. A pelvic exam often lasts only a few minutes. Your doctor or other care provider checks your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any unusual changes.

Last Updated: February 27, References. This article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD. This article has been viewed , times. Experts agree that regular gynecological exams are a crucial way for people assigned female at birth to maintain good health though they disagree on how frequently they're needed, so discuss that with your health care provider. Research has shown that these exams can detect health issues such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, sexually transmitted infections, and even cancer. Those feelings are totally normal, but don't worry! By learning about what to expect at your gynecological exam, you'll likely feel more comfortable and prepared. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Gyno exam

Health Conditions Chevron. Sexual and Reproductive Health Chevron. But that first gyno exam can seem totally foreign—and even scary. The thought of discussing sensitive health topics and letting a total stranger examine your vagina might make you want to skip the appointment altogether. You might have specific things to bring up with your doctor during your first appointment, like period issues, birth control options, and testing for sexually transmitted infections. That way, you can make sure to discuss everything on your mind and be a better advocate for yourself. During a Pap test, your doctor will swab your cervix the lower portion of your uterus that connects to your vagina to collect a sample of cervical cells to check for abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer which is rare and often treatable, so try not to stress!

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FAQs: Pelvic exams. Vulvar and Speculum Examination Pelvic Exam. If planned, conduct pap smear and STD testing Note: a little bleeding especially if patient nulliparous after a pap smear is expected. News Network. The person will then lie on their back and place their feet in footrests. Putting in and opening the speculum shouldn't hurt. McGraw-Hill; The pelvic organs, including the uterus and ovaries, can't be seen from outside the body. FAQs: Abnormal cervical cancer screening test results. Find a doctor. The doctor will put on gloves and examine the outside of your vagina to make sure that there are no sores or swelling and that everything looks OK on the outside. The doctor or nurse will usually ask if the person needs to use the bathroom, to help them feel more comfortable during the exam and so that they can be examined without distractions. ACOG recommends seeing a gynecologist for STI testing if a person becomes sexually active before age 21, but a pelvic exam may not be necessary.

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Here, we look at the uses of…. What is the Marcus Gunn Pupil? But speak up right away if you have pain. There are no wrong questions to ask when it comes to your personal health and the more knowledge you have about your body, the more confidence you can have about taking care of it. A pelvic exam is where a doctor or nurse practitioner looks at a girl's reproductive organs both outside and internally. Because the vagina is surrounded by muscles that can contract or relax, the exam can be more comfortable if you relax the muscles in that area. The cells are placed in a bottle that contains a solution to preserve them 3. After the pelvic exam is over, you can get dressed. They are checking for abnormalities, such as irritation, swelling, redness, cysts, or any visual indication of sexually transmitted diseases STD. They look for abnormalities and infections. What happens during a pelvic exam? During the external genital exam your clinician will visually examine the vulva and labia. This is a quick procedure that involves taking a sample of your cervical cells and testing them to verify that they are healthy. About Mayo Clinic.