Going to the gynecologist regularly has many benefits: early disease identification, better treatment, better connection with the healthcare staff, better reproductive health, better overall health, etc. Still, many women are a bit scared and hesitant to go for their routine exams. If you’re one of these, here’s exactly what you can expect during your routine gynecological visit so you can be stress-free.
The beginning phase
Once you arrive, your doctor will first ask you a few questions about your health and habits. Expect questions concerning your period, sexual activities, diet, overall health, and even school, work, and family. Your doctor will also note down your vitals, like your blood pressure, weight, height, etc.
Pelvic exam
This is the main part of the gynecological exam. Pelvic exams are recommended to be performed every year once the woman becomes sexually active. In general, this exam lasts a few minutes, yet it includes many important elements. It is performed lying down on the table with your feet on special stirrups. It’s very important that you’re relaxed during this exam because better relaxation means less discomfort. Once you’re ready, the doctor will insert a special tool into your vagina to open it up and conduct the examination. The focus during the pelvic exam is on your reproductive organs like your vulva, vagina, cervix, and uterus. There are many important things your doctor can see during this examination: possible cysts, sexually transmitted diseases, and even cancer signs. Even though a bit uncomfortable, the pelvic exam is not painful.
Pap smear
In general, your pelvic exam will also include a Pap smear to collect cells from the cervix. However, not every time you have a pelvic exam will you be required to have a Pap smear (usually, they are recommended once in three or five years in healthy women). The cells your doctor collects with a long swab will be tested for cancerous cells, so any serious issue can be diagnosed in time or completely prevented.
Ultrasound
In some cases, your doctor will perform an ultrasound, either from the outside or the inside of your body. In places like Florida, where people have a very developed consciousness about female reproductive health, these ultrasounds are regular. It’s important to find the best clinic for ultrasonography in Pembroke Pines to get the best readings and the most thorough exam. Once again, when performed by experts, this procedure is not painful and can be done in a matter of minutes, yet it offers great information about your reproductive health.
Breast exam
During your routine gynecological exam, you might also receive a breast exam to detect any changes to the breast tissue. Your doctor will examine your breast and feel the tissue for any limps and look at the skin for any visible changes. This is one of the best tools in the early detection of breast cancer. You might even receive lessons on how to perform a breast exam at home; if not, you can ask your doctor to teach you.
How to prepare for your exam
It’s important to keep one thing in mind—relaxation is the key. There’s no need to be anxious or embarrassed because your doctor has probably seen everything by now and heard every story in the world. Health professionals won’t judge you or try to embarrass you—they are genuinely interested in your health and how to improve it. Getting to relax in such a vulnerable position is easier said than done, but once the exam is over, you’ll see that there is nothing to be scared of.
To make your exam more comfortable, decide whether you want to have a female or male doctor before booking your appointment. It’s also smart to write down any questions you have before the exam, so you don’t run into a mental block while you’re on the table. Any question is a good question: questions about sex, protection, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, discharge, pain, period, libido, etc.
Even though your doctor won’t mind, it’s best to schedule your exam for the time when you’re not on your period—you’ll feel much more at ease. And remember to always practice complete honesty with your gynecologist. No story is too personal for your doctor, and little details can mean a lot when creating your medical history.
Now that you know exactly what to expect from your routine gynecological exam, your anxiety will decrease, and you’ll book your exam the first chance you get!
