Women often don’t relish going to their gynecologist for a yearly exam. However, these exams are vital for maintaining good health.
A gynecological exam typically begins with a medical history and a physical examination. It may include blood pressure and height and weight measurements.
The gynecologist may conduct a pelvic exam using a speculum to examine the cervix and ovaries.
Preventing Diseases
Gynecological checkups can help prevent many diseases affecting women, such as cervical and breast cancer. Regular gynecological exams and pap smears can detect these diseases when they are in the early stages when they are typically easier to treat.
In addition, gynecological exams can screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. These diseases can cause severe and long-term health problems, so every woman must be screened regularly.
Girls should first see a gynecologist for their yearly exam between ages 13 and 15. It is when most girls enter puberty and start experiencing their first menstrual periods. Girls should continue to see a gynecologist at least once a year until they are 21. The frequency should then decrease as they age. In addition to gynecologists, family physicians and experts in adolescent health can also undertake these exams. They can also be carried out in a few hospitals and abortion clinics Texas that focus on reproductive healthcare.
Preventing Injuries
Women can be at risk for severe injuries from a variety of sources. A gynecological exam can detect these risks so they can be treated as early as possible.
During the pelvic exam, your gynecologist can look for signs of cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and other problems that can cause severe issues in the future. Additionally, they can offer you guidance on how to do a self-examination so that you can identify any potential problems at home.
Girls should receive their first gynecological exam between ages 13 and 15. It is when most girls start puberty and must have their reproductive organs checked to ensure everything is developing typically. They should schedule their appointments for the days before they begin menstruating, as the blood may interfere with the results of specific tests. Women can continue to visit their gynecologists for regular exams until they reach age 65, when pap smears may be stopped for low-risk patients.
Preventing Miscarriage
Women who have a miscarriage must wait until their bodies recover before trying again. They may also experience bleeding, painful periods, and pelvic pain. A gynecological exam can detect problems like uterine fibroids, cysts, and ovarian cancer. These conditions are easier to treat in their early stages.
While many women are nervous about their first gynecological examination, most female gynecologists in Brisbane will help them to relax and understand the process. It is common for women to request a female friend or family member to accompany them during their appointment as a chaperone. It is entirely acceptable and preserves privacy while providing support and comfort. It’s vital to find a gynecologist with whom you are comfortable sharing your personal health information and who you trust to keep your private medical records confidential.
Preventing Cancer
Gynecological exams can detect cervical and breast cancer in their early stages when they are most treatable. In addition, they help women to make healthy lifestyle choices and minimize their health risks.
A well-woman visit typically involves:
- An annual pelvic examination.
- Breast exam.
- They are screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
During the physical exam, a woman will usually lie on an examining table in her underwear with her legs spread apart or resting in stirrups and draped with a sheet for privacy. The doctor will check for lumps and other abnormalities. She will also ask about menstrual flow and sexual history, including previous pregnancies or miscarriages.
Many women and girls feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about the exam. Still, they should know that gynecological exams are essential for their overall health and that there is no reason to be ashamed. Being honest during a gynecological exam is even more crucial because it enables healthcare professionals to treat patients more effectively.
