What does an annual gynecological exam consist of?

Whatever your age, an annual GYN exam includes:

A breast exam to check for lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge. A pelvic exam to check your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis, including your ovaries, for masses, growths or other abnormalities. A Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.

What can I expect at a gynecological exam?

Generally, your appointment will start with a health check. The nurse will take your weight and blood pressure; you may also have to provide blood and urine samples. Then you’ll move into the physical exam in which you’ll be asked to undress and change into a gown that opens in the front and a sheet to cover your lap.

How do I prepare for an annual gynecological exam?

How Do I Prepare for an Annual GYN Exam? 5 Simple Steps
  1. Try not to schedule your exam for when you’re on your period. …
  2. Don’t douche before your exam. …
  3. Avoid vaginal intercourse for 24 hours before your exam.
  4. Feel free to ask about non-OBGYN issues. …
  5. Ask us about screening tests.

Why do doctors finger you?

This checks the muscles between your vagina and your anus. This also checks for tumors behind your uterus, on the lower wall of your vagina, or in your rectum. Some doctors put another finger in your vagina while they do this. This lets them examine the tissue in between more thoroughly.

Do you pee in a cup at the gynecologist?

“You will need to pee in a cup during your gynecologic exam. When you pee in a cup the gynecologist is able to perform a ‘dipstick’ test of your urine,” Dr. Ross says. “This simple office test can check to see if you have anything you may be unaware of happening in your body.

Is an annual exam a Pap smear?

The annual exam is done to check your overall physical health. The Pap smear screens for cervical cancer. A Pap smear may be offered as part of an annual exam. If you have a cervix and have ever been sexually active in any way, you need regular pap smears.

How often should you have a gynecological exam?

Do I Need to Go to the Gynecologist Every Year? Gynecology is an important part of women’s health care for all women. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should receive a gynecological exam every year, and may wish to begin seeing a gynecologist as soon as the age of 16 if they become sexually active sooner.

What do you wear to a gynecologist?

You might be asked to take off your clothes and wear a special robe or gown. A nurse will probably be present in the room during the exams. You can ask for a friend or relative to be with you, too. Girls often bring their mother with them, sometimes to hold hands with, during the exam, Trent says.

Do gynecologists care if you’re on your period?

You can definitely proceed as planned and go to your appointment. “You can go to the gynecologist while on your period,” says Felice Gersh, MD, author of “PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist’s Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness.” “It shouldn’t impact the appointment very much at all,” she says.

Does my doctor care if I shave?

The truth is that your doctor and their staff do not care if you are clean-shaven or not. They are medical professionals. They know that hair growth is natural and normal. It doesn’t hinder their ability to do their job, and it doesn’t harm your health.

Do you wear socks at the gynecologist?

Leave Your Socks On

One thing you might worry about during a gynecological exam is odor, and whether it’s affecting the doctor. But keep in mind they won’t be affected, Dr. Ghodsi says. If you want to keep your socks on, for example, to cover up smelly feet, go ahead and do so.

What questions should I ask my gynecologist?

Questions Your Gynecologist May Ask You
  • How are you feeling today?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • Has anyone in your family had breast cancer?
  • How many sexual partners have you had?
  • When was the first day of your last period?
  • How long does your menstrual cycle typically last?
  • Do you have pain anywhere?

Do gynecologists wear gloves?

A doctor should wear gloves at all times during an internal exam. To have internal organs checked, a woman is asked to lie down on the exam table with knees bent and place her feet in two stirrups at the base. A doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into a patient’s vagina and cervix.

Is an Obgyn the same as a gyno?

Many people think OB/GYN and gynecology are the same thing. This is not true! An OB/GYN encompasses two specialties – obstetrics and gynecology – while gynecologists specialize in gynecology only.

Can a doctor feel your uterus?

Your doctor will insert two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina with one hand, while the other hand presses gently on the outside of your lower abdomen. During this part of the exam, your doctor will check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries, noting any tender areas or unusual growths.

Does a gynecologist check breast?

Many gynecologists perform not only periodic gynecologic examination, including breast palpation and Pap smear, but a 10-point general cancer examination as well. In addition, the gynecologist must counsel and instruct his patients with respect to breast self-examination, mammography and smoking.

Do gynecologists check for hemorrhoids?

Abstract. Hemorrhoids are of enough importance in gynecology and obstetrics that the gynecologist should be well versed in proctologic diagnosis and treatment. In the gynecological office practice about 19% of the patients and in the antenatal practice about 46% of the patients have hemorrhoids which require treatment.

Is the gyno awkward?

Will the Visit be Uncomfortable or Awkward? While it’s completely normal to be nervous before your first gynecological exam, there’s really no reason to be. Most likely, the appointment won’t be nearly as awkward or scary as you might expect.

What is the white stuff that comes out of my breast?

Fluid leaking from one or both nipples when you are not breastfeeding is called nipple discharge. Clear, cloudy, or white discharge that appears only when you press on your nipple is usually normal. The more the nipple is pressed or stimulated, the more fluid appears.

Why do gynecologists check breasts?

Mammography is done for two reasons: 1) as a screening test to check for breast cancer in women who do not have signs or symptoms of the disease, and 2) as a diagnostic test to check lumps or other symptoms that you have found yourself or that have been found by an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health …

What to know before going to the gyno for the first time?

During your first appointment, a medical professional will note your height, weight, and blood pressure before you see the ob/gyn. If you’re under 21, however, your doctor likely won’t perform a pelvic exam during your first visit. Were you stressing out about that? Don’t worry!