What Are The Benefits of a Pelvic Exam?

Gynecological exams are an important part of women’s health. One very important exam is a pelvic exam. A pelvic exam can find out if one is pregnant or has other medical problems. These problems can include sexually transmitted infections, cancer, cysts, polyps, and more. Schedule your Pelvic exam in Queens. 

What is a pelvic exam?

A pelvic exam is a common routine physical exam given by a gynecologist to assess your gynecological health. The healthcare provider examines the vulva and the internal reproductive organs such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries to check for any problems or abnormalities. The healthcare provider also checks the size, shape, and position of the uterus.

When Should I Get a Pelvic Exam?

The first Pelvic exam in Queens should be at 21 years of age. The exam should be done yearly; however, if one is experiencing abnormal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, or menstrual irregularities, they may want to schedule an appointment earlier. Additionally, if one has a history of certain cancers, cysts, or sexually transmitted infections, a pelvic exam may be recommended earlier than the age of 21 or more than once a year.

How is the exam performed?

The Pelvic exam in Queens itself lasts a few minutes. Once the healthcare provider enters the room, they will explain the procedure.

• First, the healthcare provider will perform a visual exam to examine the vulva for redness, swelling, sores, or other abnormalities. 
• Second, the healthcare provider will perform an internal exam. Using a speculum to open the vaginal walls, they will be able to examine the vagina and cervix, which is the neck of the uterus. The speculum can be uncomfortable, and you may feel some pressure as the vaginal walls open, but you should not feel pain. If it is painful, tell the health care provider immediately, and they can use a smaller speculum. At this time, the doctor will also perform a pap smear. A pap smear is a test to detect cervical cancer and can also detect HPV (human papillomaVirus), which is a common precursor to cervical cancer. The healthcare provider will scrape some cervical cells from the cervix and send them to a lab for testing. This process only lasts a few seconds.
• Lastly, a physical exam will be conducted to examine the reproductive organs that are not visible such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The healthcare provider will have to feel or palpate your abdomen and pelvis to diagnose any abnormalities. During this step, the healthcare provider will insert two lubricated, gloved fingers into the vagina with one hand while the other hand gently pushes on the outside of your lower abdomen.

Does a pelvic exam hurt?

Pelvic exams may cause some discomfort but are not painful. Although many women find Pelvic exams in Queens physically and mentally uncomfortable, healthcare providers try to make them as painless as possible. Many will communicate what they are doing throughout the procedure and offer reassurances during the exam to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. 

If you feel tense, you may find it helpful to take deep breaths to help relax the muscles. It might be helpful to prepare questions ahead of time to help ease any anxiety. If you feel any discomfort at the time of the Pelvic exam in Queens, let the doctor know immediately. It is important to find a healthcare provider with whom you feel comfortable and can establish trust during visits. This can help in conquering your fears concerning exams and future visits. 

Results of the Exam

If your exam was normal, you would need to schedule an appointment in a year for another Pelvic exam in Queens. If the exam showed any issues, your healthcare provider will review findings and discuss additional testing and/or treatments. A follow-up appointment will be needed. If you have any questions or concerns about the results, discuss these with the healthcare provider at this time.

Contact Us For a Pelvic exam in Queens

If you are looking to schedule your annual Pelvic exam in Queens, contact our team at Women4Women. All six of our female Board-certified physicians offer the best possible care for women. We will help you determine the appropriate management for your gynecological problem. Contact us today and make your health a priority!