Learn Why a Regular Pelvic Examination is Vital to Women’s Health
Pelvic examinations have become a very vital part in a woman’s overall health management, medical experts say. Various pelvic ailments have been prevented or treated before it may get to be critical through these regular check-ups.
Checked during these pelvic examinations are the female organs such as the uterus, vulva, cervix, fallopian tubes, bladder, ovaries, and the rectum. Usually lasting about 10 minutes, these examinations may be performed in the doctor’s office.
A pelvic examination is undertaken for two purposes. First, a woman’s gynecologic health is evaluated as part of her overall health check-up. Through this routine examination, early signs of the different female disorders may be determined. Examples of these conditions include ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer. A pap smear or pap test may be done during this session in order to determine the possibility of cervical cancer.
Secondly, a pelvic examination may be suggested or required by the doctor when a woman experiences gynecologic symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, skin changes, abnormal vaginal discharge, and any urinary problems. The doctor may determine the possible causes through the pelvic examination and may then decide on what treatment to follow or whether other types of test must be taken.
Involved in a regular pelvic examination are the following:
External Visual Exam In the pelvic examination, the first step involves a visual assessment of the external parts of a woman. Abnormalities in the vulva such as signs of irritation, redness, sores, and swelling are visually checked by the doctor.
Internal Visual Exam With the use of a speculum, the doctor then proceeds to examine visually the internal parts of a woman. This instrument is made of plastic or metal shaped liked a duck’s bill which is used to widen the vagina to get a better view of the vagina and cervix. It is important to be relaxed during this stage so as not to create discomfort and even pain.
Manual Check-up Since some pelvic organs such as the uterus and ovaries are not visible from the outside, the doctor checks these organs by manually feeling the abdomen and pelvis. The procedure is performed by putting two fingers into the vagina while the lower abdomen is gently pressed by the other hand. The purpose of this procedure is to check the size and shape of the uterus and ovaries and to determine tenderness or any unusual growth. After the vaginal examination, the doctor proceeds to inserting a finger into the rectum to check for any growth or other irregularities.
Pap Smear While not exactly compulsory, the Pap test or Pap smear may become very important in that it detects the presence of cervical cancer or of any cells that may appear to lead to cancer. Taking of a sample of cells from the cervix which is placed in a solution and analyzed in the lab is the usual procedure in a Pap test.
Having a regular pelvic examination may truly benefit a lot of women, especially if we consider that pelvic disorders are very prevalent among women including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Conservative methods of treatment may be applied with the early detection of these conditions.
This will mean being spared from taking severe measures such as vaginal mesh surgeries which have caused injuries to thousands of women. Legal actions such as the vaginal mesh lawsuits being filed all over the country have been the result of these injuries. For more information about this, you may visit vaginalmeshlawsuitcenter.us.
References: • •
mayoclinic.com/health/pelvic-exam women.webmd.com/guide/pelvic