What is a gynecologist and what is his specialty? What matters does the branch of gynecology deal with? What exactly is a gynecological exam?
Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in women's health and focus on the female reproductive system.
They deal with a wide range of problems, including obstetrics or pregnancy and childbirth, menstruation and fertility problems, sexually transmitted infections (STDs), hormonal disorders, and others.
Some women prefer to visit a women's wellness clinic rather than a family doctor for general health concerns. Then, from the query of gynecology they can refer the patient to another specialist.
On occasion, many women do not involve accusations that they inappropriately touched young patients, often while doing a pelvic exam. Here's what women should know about gynecological exams, including what to expect and what is off-limits.
What happens during a routine gynecological visit?
Gynecological visits cover a wide range of topics, especially since many women do not see any other doctor regularly. For most women, gynecologists function as the primary care physician. A visit from gynecology It is much more than sticking your fingers in your vagina and doing a Pap test. The main thing is that the professional makes sure that you are generally well before he makes you take your clothes off.
So the questions can go way beyond gynecological. Your doctor may ask about domestic violence, social habits, drinking, and smoking.
The doctor will ask about any genital pain or problem and, depending on the circumstances, about menstruation, birth control, or sexual activity.
Topics vary depending on the age and experience of the patient. Adolescents who are not sexually active generally do not need screenings for sexually transmitted diseases.
Women under the age of 18 do not need invasive vaginal exams unless they have specific conditions or medical risks.
At the gynecology office, doctors can perform a Pap smear, which is a test for cervical cancer. The patient lies on her back and places her feet in supports called stirrups, and the doctor inserts a speculum to keep the vagina open enough so that a swab can be inserted to scrape a small sample of cells from the cervix.
Pap tests used to be done once a year, but the guidelines now recommend them every three to five years for women 18 years of age and older. You may also have a breast exam.
Sometimes, but not always, gynecologists perform a pelvic exam, which is often the most uncomfortable part for patients.
A doctor uses a speculum to examine the vagina and cervix and then places the fingers of one hand inside the vagina and presses on the abdomen with the other hand. Its goal is to assess whether the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix are of a healthy size and position, and an attempt to detect ovarian or other cancers.
When should pelvic exams be done?
They are definitely not necessary for all patients. In fact, pelvic exams are typically not performed on non-pregnant women who do not show symptoms of gynecological problems.
No evidence was found that pelvic exams were better at detecting ovarian cancer than ultrasounds or blood tests, and there was little evidence of success in detecting other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis. Additionally, some patients experienced embarrassment or anxiety and sometimes did not return for another visit if the pelvic exam caused them pain.
Pelvic exams are recommended for women over 18 years of age, even if they have no symptoms. But the test is unnecessary to detect sexually transmitted diseases, as it can be done with vaginal swabs or urinalysis. And it is not necessary unless the woman has started taking oral contraceptives.
The hormones in birth control pills can affect the vaginal lining and cervix, and a pelvic exam can identify these effects.
Pelvic exams are also performed on women who have "risky behavior," such as going to parties every week and having multiple partners.
What kind of contact is appropriate during an exam?
Only the necessary amount of physical contact is required to obtain data for diagnosis and treatment. Also important is a proper explanation that must accompany all examination procedures.
Some doctors may use their hands instead of a speculum to examine patients and move the fingers in and out during pelvic exams. Using your hands may not always be a problem. There are some cases where the doctor might use their hands instead of a speculum, such as with a 70-year-old woman who tells you that she has difficulty with bladder control.
Every time the doctor touches you, he will say, 'I'm going to touch you. Now I'm going to examine this part of your belly, or I'm going to touch the inside of your thigh. If you feel like your doctor is doing something out of the ordinary, you shouldn't hesitate to ask.
Should the patient be alone with the doctor?
This should be up to the patients and the doctors. Ideally, no one should be alone in the room with a naked patient because anyone can feel that they are being taken advantage of verbally, physically. A second person in the room will be a support for the patient and the doctor.
But in reality, other staff members are not always available. And sometimes, patients request to speak only to the doctor, feeling more comfortable discussing personal matters one on one.
However, your doctor may want to ensure that a nurse or other medical colleague is present when patients are naked or in vulnerable situations.
What kinds of feedback are suitable for patients?
Doctors should avoid sexual advances and sexually provocative comments.
It is a very serious and very private exam. It should be purely on a medical level without the editorial or description. Some patients have said that their doctor told them they had "perky breasts," "flawless skin," or an "intact hymen."
Saying 'perky breasts' is offensive.' Other comments may be more understandable. Describing the condition of a patient's muscle tone might be appropriate if he comes in "complaining of bladder control."
Most gynecologists are trained to speak when patients are fully dressed and seated.
If you're in the middle of a pelvic exam when you're naked, your doctor may say, "Your hymen looks good; your lips look good. '' There is nothing wrong with that. You can say, "Your breasts look good," but you don't have to say they look perky.
