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A Close Up of Your Gyno Exam

By February 27, 2019 - 1:53am

For those who never visited a gynecologist, just the thought of scheduling your visit can fill you with fear and anxiousness. And it’s easy to see why since they will be examining the most private part of your body. But taking proper care of your reproductive health is very important.

There are many reasons for visiting your gyno doctor once a year. Besides providing you with information about protection against sexually transmitted disease and birth control, they will examine your intimate sphere to make sure there are no problems.

So now we know the importance of annual gynecological exams which are just as important as our regular visits to the dentist. But did you ever wonder why your gyno is actually looking for when she lets her fingers to the walking? We talked to some of the best gynecologists from the New York area to find out.

1. Breast exam
Annual breast exams are important since they can detect breast cancer in its early stages. During your annual gyno exam, a breast exam will also be conducted. This will be done with you laying down on the examination table and having one hand behind your head. Your gyno doctor will examine your breast with their hands and eyes. They will try to look for bumps and lumps, nipple discharge, and changes in the skin.

2. External exam
During the external exam, your gyno will separate the vaginal lips starting from the top and right down to the anus. Here they are trying to look for changes in the skin and any abnormalities. During this exam, they can spot herpes, genital warts, or skin conditions such as lichen planus.

3. Speculum exam
Most women hate the pelvic exam since the thought of getting a speculum inserted into your vagina can be not only intimidating but also uncomfortable. But you shouldn’t dread this exam as much. During the pelvic exam, your doctor may also do a Pap smear to check for cervical cancer.

In order to make the speculum exam more comfortable, tell you gyno doctor to use the smallest speculum possible. If you are young and never had kids, you don’t need the same size as a woman who had five babies. Your position will also make a big difference. Make sure you’re sitting all the way down the table with your cheeks hanging off. This way your pelvis will open up and the doctor will have an easier time to see the cervix.

4. Internal exam
During the internal exam, your doctor will insert one or two fingers into your vagina while using the other hand to press on your abdomen. They do this to feel and examine the position and size of the uterus and ovaries. Although it’s not the most pleasant thing, it is very important to make sure you don’t have uterine fibroids or ovarian tumors. A rectal exam is also recommended. Your doctor will feel for blockages, growths, or pain which is usually quick and painless.

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