Health, Exercise, Sports

Time to get a gyn exam?

Usually, women eighteen years and older see a gynecologist or a nurse practitioner whether or not they're virgins. Or, after a woman has had sex with a partner, it is important for her to get a full gynecological exam each year.An annual exam would include a general examination, as well as some or all of these specific procedures:Questions about full family and personal medical history A breast examination, with instructions for breast self-exam Listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope A blood pressure and pulse check A blood test (hemoglobin count and complete blood count) A weight check An abdominal exam A pelvic exam A Pap smear and STI screening tests Evaluation for contraception, if desired You can use this experience to learn more about your body as well as yourself. Let your health care provider know that this is your first exam and ask her/him to explain each procedure. Routine pelvic examinations include both an external and an internal exam. The provider will examine your vulva (inner and outer lips), clitoris, and vaginal opening. After that, s/he will look inside your vagina using a speculum, which may be the most unfamiliar part of the exam. A speculum is usually a metal instrument used to hold your vaginal walls apart. It may be a bit uncomfortable — even though this may seem impossible, relax, it does get easier with practice. The provider will examine your vaginal walls for lesions, inflammation, or unusual discharge, and will also check your cervix for the same. S/he will collect a sample of cells from your cervix using a swab. This part of the internal exam is called a Pap smear. Some women feel a slight cramping when the cells are being gathered. The collected cervical cells are then sent to a lab to check for abnormal cell growth and to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap smear does not test for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal infections, or other types of gynecological problems.It's important for women to get an annual gynecological exam. For example, young women, in particular, may be vulnerable to cervical infection since the surface of their cervixes contains relatively immature, less resistant cells. Early detection and treatment can reduce future complications.
More information: http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1293.html

Last update: 2006-01-19 00:44
Author: Annoymous

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