Women's Health Blog

As every woman should know, getting a pelvic examination regularly is vital in maintaining her health. Pelvic exams are typically recommended on an annual basis. Although a regular physician can perform this type of exam, it is typically done by a gynecologist. The pelvic exam consists of both a visual and manual inspection of the reproductive organs in women. The purpose is to ensure that no infections or growths exist. A Pap smear test is also performed which tests for cervical cancer.

During this type of examination, a woman undresses and dons an examination gown. The patient lies down on the examination table with her feet in stirrups, which hold the legs up and open so the doctor can easily perform the exam. During the exam, the doctor will observe the outside of the reproductive organs for any signs of redness, signs of infection, abnormal growths, or sores. The doctor then performs the internal exam by placing a speculum into the vaginal walls to open up the area such that he/she can see the cervix.

Part of the internal pelvic examination involves the doctor checking the uterus and ovaries by placing a finger into the vagina while pushing down on the lower stomach area with the other hand. In performing this exam, the doctor can feel for any abnormalities in the ovaries and uterus.

The doctor examines the cervix by performing a Pap smear test, which is a test used to collect cells from the bottom of the cervix, which lies at the end of the vagina. The cells are scraped and then sent to a lab which will look at the cells under a microscope and look for any abnormal cells which might indicate cancer of the cervix. It is very important to have a Pap smear test performed on an annual basis (unless your doctor recommends a higher frequency due to certain determined risks) once you become sexually active or by age 21, whichever occurs earlier. This test may no longer be necessary in women who have had hysterectomies or upon reaching the age of 70. However, you should always check with your doctor and follow your doctor’s advice on when and how often to you should be screened.

If during your pelvic examination, the doctor finds an abnormality, he or she will notify you immediately. However, it may take a little longer to receive the results from the Pap smear. Simply because a Pap smear comes back as abnormal does not mean you have cancer. In that event, a second test will be taken to ensure it was an accurate result or a false positive, which can occur for a variety of reasons. However, if problematic cells are found, finding them early provides for the highest success in addressing and resolving the problem.

Going to your gynecologist for regular annual examinations is the wisest way to address women’s health and to prevent many issues which strike women today. Do not skip that appointment with the gynecologist, as doing so may mean the difference between life and death by failing to catch a problem in the beginning stages.