Gynecological Care and Routine Examination - An Overview

What Does Gynecological Care Mean?

Gynecological care is given to women during their pregnancy and childbirth, and it treats the disease of the female reproductive system, including an examination of external and internal genitalia. It also includes treating other women’s health issues, such as menopause, birth control, infertility, and hormonal problems. There are screenings available for women of all age groups.

What Are Different Types of Gynecology Tests Done?

Different types of gynecological tests carried out are:

• Vaginal swabs.

• Smear tests.

• Mammogram.

• Hormonal tests.

• Ultrasound.

• Urine test.

• Routine blood test.

• Tumor markers.

What Is a Gynecological Exam?

A gynecological exam is a routine physical exam to check for any signs of disease in females. The exam is used to check the women:

• Uterus (uterus).

• Vulva (external genital organs).

• Vagina (canal that connects the cervix and the uterus).

• Cervix (opening from vagina to uterus).

• Ovaries (glands that produce eggs).

• Fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs to the womb).

• Rectum (rectum connects the colon to the anus).

• Bladder (the sac that holds urine).

Healthcare providers often perform the exams mentioned above.

Who and When Should You Get a Gynecological Exam?

Pelvic exams are done to assess your gynecological health. They are a part of routine physical examination that help discover problems related to the female reproductive system. These exams are done starting at the age of 21 years to 65 years of age at regular intervals. As gynecological exams are a part of women’s healthcare routine, they should be regularly scheduled depending on your age and health conditions. In addition, the exam may help with the early detection of tumors.

There may be different reasons for which your doctor might recommend you a pelvic exam like:

• Pregnancy.

• Menstrual Abnormalities - Menstrual abnormalities like polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

• Premalignant conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and cervical dysplasia.

• Congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive system.

• Sexual or Physical Abuse - Any history of sexual abuse or physical trauma.

• Family history of cervical cancer or ovarian cancer.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Infections - Your doctor may swab your vagina to test for chlamydia, vaginosis, gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Vaginal Yeast Infections - Any vaginal infections like fungal infections or yeast infections.

• Pelvic Floor Disorders - If you face any discomfort or pain in the pelvic floor or the pelvic floor muscles.

• Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.

• Unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Human Papillomavirus - This test is done to screen for cervical cancer.

How Often Do I Need a Gynecological Exam?

How often a gynecological examination is to be done varies accordingly. It is based on your medical history or if you are experiencing any problems or symptoms. Some doctors may recommend annual visits; others may recommend examinations to be carried out every three years until you are 65. But if you are in good health, not pregnant, or not being treated for a disease, you can visit your gynecologist every other year after age 30.

Are There Any Contraindications for Gynecological Examination?

Lack of consent for the procedure is the only contraindication.

How Is the Routine Gynecological Exam Performed?

A specialized medical provider performs the exam. The exam starts with your comprehensive medical history, vitals, and history of gynecological problems. Next, you will be asked to take off your clothes privately. Next, the provider may ask you about your health concerns. Next, you will be asked to relax the pelvic floor muscles and lie on your back.

Later on, your healthcare provider will conduct a few examinations like:

• External Examination - The provider will visually inspect your vagina and vulva during the external examination.

• Internal Examination - During the manual examination, your provider will inspect the vagina internally by placing one or two fingers. Also will check the size and shape of the organs for any abnormalities.

• Speculum Examination - In this examination, your provider will use a speculum inserted into the vagina so that the cervix and vagina can be seen more clearly.

• Pap Smear - In this examination, a sample of cells from the cervix will be taken using a small brush and plastic spatula along with a sample of fluid from the vagina to test for any infection.

• Rectal Examination - In the rectal examination, your provider will insert a finger into your rectum to check for tumors or abnormalities.

In addition, one should not do the following things 48 hours before the examination:

• Douche.

• Sexual intercourse.

• Use tampons or menstrual cups.

• Using birth control creams or gel.

• Using medicine or cream in the vagina.

What Are Different Preventive Care and Screenings Available for Women?

Preventive care for women includes different services:

• Screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

• Hormonal testing.

• Pap smear.

• Human papillomavirus testing.

• Immunizations.

• Routine gynecological checkups include a pelvic examination and breast examination.

• Colon cancer screening.

• Breast cancer screening.

• Breast care services include diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

• Breast biopsy, MRI, ultrasound.

• Mammography.

• Mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

• Genetic testing for women with a history of breast cancer.

What Is the Importance Of Routine Exams and Gynecological Care?

Gynecological care and routine examination play an important role in women's health, including pelvic and breast exams. A woman should choose a healthcare practitioner with whom she can comfortably discuss sensitive topics. In addition, many conditions affect women’s health, so regular screening with gynecologists can help detect these conditions at early stages so that they can be treated most effectively.

Conclusion:

Women should pay attention to their health and conduct routine gynecological examinations accordingly. This exam detects current health problems and evaluates the risk factors before a new problem develops. Therefore, every woman should be conscientious about her health and have a routine gynecological examination yearly.