Why do women need gynecological exams?
What does a gynecological exam involve?
At what age should a woman begin getting pelvic exams?
How often should a woman get a pelvic exam?
If a woman is not having sex or is not pregnant, why does she need a pelvic exam?
What will a pelvic exam feel like?
| Why do women need gynecological exams? |
Gynecological exams are an important part of a woman's health care. These exams help screen for some sexually transmitted infections, certain types of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions and allow health professionals to examine the general health of a woman's reproductive organs.
| What does a gynecological exam involve? |
A gynecological exam includes:
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Talking about your personal, family, sexual, and medical history
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Laboratory tests and screening for STIs and other conditions (at your own or your clinician's request)
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Counseling
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A pelvic exam
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A breast exam
For more information, read this detailed description of the Annual Gynecological Exam.
| At what age should a woman begin getting pelvic exams? |
Most women should begin getting pelvic exams either when they turn 18 or when they are considering becoming or have become sexually active.
| How often should a woman get a pelvic exam? |
Most women should get pelvic exams annually. Health care providers can recommend what is best for their individual patients.
| If a woman is not having sex or is not pregnant, why does she need a pelvic exam? |
Even if a woman is not having sexual intercourse, she needs to have a pelvic exam after she is 18 years old to make sure that all of her reproductive organs are healthy. Pelvic exams also screen for cancer and for infections that are not transmitted during sex, such as a yeast infection. If a woman is having sexual intercourse, she needs a pelvic exam for the reasons mentioned above and to be sure that she does not have any sexually transmitted infections.
| What will a pelvic exam feel like? |
A pelvic exam should not hurt. Most women feel some pressure during the exam, but it shouldn't be painful. Any woman who does experience pain should be sure to alert her clinician. If this is a first pelvic exam or if she is feeling nervous, she should let her clinician know. She can also ask her clinician to tell her exactly what is happening during the exam. During the pelvic exam, a woman is screened for cervical and vaginal cancer using a Pap test. She may also be screened for two STIs, chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, not all STIs are screened for or can be found during a pelvic exam. If you are worried about STIs, talk to your clinician. The pelvic exam usually doesn't take longer than 15 minutes.
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