What can a gynecologist tell from a pelvic exam?

A pelvic exam often is part of a routine physical exam to find possible signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer. Pelvic exams are also commonly performed during pregnancy.

Can a doctor tell if you have an STD from a pelvic exam?

And unless you have genital warts or a sore outbreak, your gynecologist won't know from a pelvic exam or a pap test that you have an STD. This means that if you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, you'll have to ask for a screening.

What 3 tests can a woman expect during her annual pelvic exam?

The physical exam includes a urine sample, an external and internal pelvic exam, pap smear, and a breast exam.

What can a gynecologist detect?

Gynecologists give reproductive and sexual health services that include pelvic exams, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for vaginal infections. They diagnose and treat reproductive system disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain.

What are two things the gynecologist will test for?

Pap smear test to check for cervical cancer. Pelvic exam to check for abnormal lesions or discharges.

Gynecologist reveals everything you need to know about your first appointment

What is included in a routine gynecological exam?

Whatever your age, an annual GYN exam includes:

A breast exam to check for lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge. A pelvic exam to check your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis, including your ovaries, for masses, growths or other abnormalities. A Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.

When should you get a pelvic exam?

These are recommended starting at age 21 for healthy women. But a girl who has problems like heavy bleeding, painful periods, or unusual vaginal discharge might need a pelvic exam sooner.

Can a gynecologist see abnormal cells?

A regular Pap smear at your gynecologist's office can detect abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer. “The good news is that we can actually prevent people from getting cancer because these cellular changes happen over several years.

Does a gynecologist check hormones?

A gynecologist or obstetrician is an expert in the hormones that impact women's health issues specifically. As such, they understand the hormonal changes a woman goes through at every age and what hormone abnormalities look like.

How long do pelvic exam results take?

Your healthcare provider will know certain results right away after your pelvic exam. If a Pap or HPV test was done, those results typically take a few days.

What should you not do before a pelvic exam?

If you're uncomfortable with the thought of a pelvic exam during your period, you can reschedule your appointment. You should avoid some things beforehand. Two days before your Pap test, avoid intercourse, vaginal creams, suppositories, medicine and douches, as these may obscure abnormal cells.

What preparation should a woman make for a pelvic examination with a Pap test?

Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using spermicidal preparations or any kind of vaginal medicine for two days prior to your Pap smear appointment. These substances may obscure or wash away any abnormal cells. Don't schedule your Pap smear when you expect to be menstruating.

Do STDs show in Pap smears?

A Pap smear can't detect STIs. To test for infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a swab from your cervix. Blood tests can also identify certain STIs.

What STD affects the pelvis?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman's reproductive organs. It is a complication often caused by some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause PID.

Can a doctor look and see if you chlamydia by doing a Pap smear?

A Pap smear test will not be able to detect chlamydia. Doctors use a Pap smear test to identify abnormal cells around the cervix that might become cancerous.

Can my gyno check my thyroid?

If you're concerned you have a thyroid disorder, please schedule an appointment with your Moreland OB-GYN doctor. Our team of caring providers will take the time to discuss your needs and walk you through the process of thyroid testing and care if a thyroid disease is detected.

How do you know if a woman has hormonal imbalance?

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

What do pelvic exams check for?

A pelvic exam often is part of a routine physical exam to find possible signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer. Pelvic exams are also commonly performed during pregnancy. There is a lot of debate among experts regarding the recommended frequency of pelvic exams.

What is the most common reason for an abnormal Pap smear?

In most cases, an abnormal Pap test is a result of: A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), such as herpes or trichomoniasis. A bacterial or yeast infection.

How serious is an abnormal Pap smear?

Abnormal Pap test results: An abnormal test result may also be called a positive test result. Some of the cells of the cervix look different from the normal cells. An abnormal test result does not mean you have cancer. Your health care provider will recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment.

Are you awake during a pelvic exam?

Pelvic exams necessitate physical inspection of the most sensitive areas of a woman's body. The exams are typically conducted while the patient is awake and consenting at a gynecologist visit, to screen for certain cancers, infections and other reproductive health issues.

Do gynecologists always do pelvic exams?

You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done by the doctor with a urine sample.

Are pelvic exams really necessary?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women have pelvic exams only when they have symptoms or have a medical history that requires it. Ultimately, you and your ob-gyn or other health care professional should make this decision together.

Does a female nurse have to be present during a pelvic exam?

An additional person, such as a nurse, should be present in the room during a gynecologic exam. This is to protect both the patient and the physician and is standard medical practice.