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What Does a Gynecologist Check Up Consist Of?

A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in providing care of the female reproductive system. This enables a gynecologist to treat and diagnose conditions that pose a threat to women’s health, while allowing their patients to go through regular screening, prevention, and treatment procedures that help their sexual and reproductive health. But if you have not been to a gynecologist before, you might be wondering exactly what does a gynecologist checkup consist of?

To provide comprehensive care for women’s sexual and reproductive health, a gynecologist not only performs a detailed physical checkup like a pelvic exam but also fulfills screening requirements for conditions like cervical cancer. Along with these regular activities, your gynecologist also holds a detailed consultation to understand your specific concerns. Some gynecologists also specialize in obstetrics, which earns them the designation of OB-GYN and allows them to offer care during your pregnancy and childbirth.

As a board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Douglas Tanita can help you resolve your health concerns about your sexual and reproductive system through regular checkup appointments. With his commitment to delivering personable, quality, and superior patient care, Dr. Tanita can fulfill the requirements for a gynecologist in Henderson, Nevada while prioritizing your comfort at all times.

To help you understand how a gynecologist like Dr. Tanita can help you feel your best, here is an overview of what does a gynecologist checkup consists of.

Why Is a Gynecological Checkup Important for Women’s Health?

A gynecological checkup is essential for women’s health because it comprises various screenings, diagnoses, and treatment approaches that can help you maintain your sexual and reproductive health. Besides helping you find relief from conditions like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a gynecological checkup can also assist you with early detection of concerns like cervical cancer.

Since every person is different, qualified gynecologists with a commitment to patient care also ensures to have detailed consultations during your regular visits, which should take place at least once a year. This allows your gynecologist to make sure that the activities performed during your visit address the specific health concerns you might be facing at the time of your appointment.

A gynecological visit is crucial for your wellbeing, while ensuring you live a healthier life that is not affected by preventable or treatable conditions.

What Can You Expect During a Gynecological Checkup?

What happens during your gynecological checkup depends upon the reason for your visit and the type of health concerns you might be experiencing at the time. For instance, if you are visiting your gynecologist for an annual exam, you may go through screening procedures to catch signs of diseases, such as cervical cancer. But if you are going to the appointment for a specific health condition, such as an irregular menstrual cycle, your gynecologist may look into treating possible hormonal imbalances.

While each gynecological visit will be unique, you may expect the following activities to take place during a typical exam.

Detailed Consultation

No matter the nature of your visit, any gynecologist who prioritizes your health may start your appointment with a detailed consultation. If you are visiting the gynecologist for the first time, you might discuss your personal and family history to determine your risk factors and specific screening requirements for conditions, such as ovarian cancer or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). This also helps you discuss your birth control options with your gynecologist.

During this consultation, your gynecologist also asks about any recent health concerns that you might have been facing, including questions about your physical and mental health. With these questions, your gynecologist can learn what level of care, diagnosis, and prevention approaches can best take care of your overall wellbeing as well as your sexual and reproductive health. If your symptoms point to the existence of certain conditions, such as uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalances, your gynecologist will schedule the required diagnostic and treatment procedures without any delay.

It is during this step that your gynecologist determines if you need a physical checkup, including a pelvic exam and breast exam. In the light of the information that your gynecologist learns about your health and lifestyle, they will also devise a schedule for you to get regular screening procedures, such as a Pap smear. This can help you follow a gynecological checkup schedule that is personalized according to your particular needs.

Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam may take place during your gynecological checkup if:

  • You are visiting your gynecologist for an annual checkup
  • You are experiencing discomfort around your pelvic area
  • You are showing symptoms of certain conditions
  • You have a personal history of specific conditions, such as cervical cancer
  • You have a family history of diseases, such as ovarian cancer

During your pelvic exam, your gynecologist will perform a physical examination of your external organs including your vulva as well as your internal organs, including your vagina and cervix. This includes a detailed check for abnormalities and symptoms that help diagnose certain conditions, such as vaginal infections and uterine fibroids. If your gynecologist has determined during your consultation that you may need a Pap smear to test for cervical cancer, they will also perform it during your pelvic exam.

Breast Exam

You may need a breast exam during your gynecological checkup if:

  • You are visiting your gynecologist for an annual checkup
  • You are facing symptoms that may point to certain conditions
  • You have a family history of breast cancer

A breast exam is a detailed physical examination procedure where your gynecologist checks for any changes in the appearance of your breasts. This also includes the formation of lumps or dimples along your breasts or under your armpits. If your checkup shows signs of concern, your gynecologist may suggest further tests, such as a mammogram or MRI.

How Often Should Women Schedule a Gynecological Checkup?

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women should schedule their gynecological checkup at least once a year, beginning at the age of 13 to 15.

Not all women require a physical checkup like la pelvic exam or a breast exam during their annual visit to their gynecologist. But they still need personalized care to ensure their overall wellbeing as well as their sexual and reproductive health. By visiting the gynecologist every year, you can follow a treatment plan that is highly specific to your needs, medical history, and risk factors.

Even when you do not experience any issues with your menstrual cycle or reproductive organs, going to your annual gynecological exam can help you detect and treat worrisome conditions, such as cervical cancer, before they become a bigger problem for your health. This is especially true if you have a personal or medical history that puts you at a higher risk for developing certain conditions.

What Are the Different Types of Gynecological Exams?

Gynecological exams may comprise different approaches that fall under the pelvic exam, which is a detailed checkup of your pelvic organs.

When you visit your gynecologist for a checkup, you go through a detailed consultation process where you outline your current health as well as any symptoms that you face with your sexual and reproductive health. Depending upon your discussion and certain factors involving your health, age, and medical history, your gynecologist may perform the following types of gynecological exams during your pelvic exam.

External Visual Exam

This is a visual check for any irregularities in the appearance of your vulva and labia from the outside. During this process, your gynecologist checks for symptoms including but not limited to redness and swelling to detect associated conditions.

Internal Visual Exam

This is a visual examination of your internal reproductive organs. To perform the visual exam for your internal organs, your gynecologist inserts a speculum into your vagina. This helps them look at your vagina and cervix to detect any abnormalities.

Pap Smear

This is a process to collect a small sample of your cervical cells by using a medical swab. These cells are then tested for signs of cervical cancer. After this test is performed, your gynecologist removes the speculum to continue the pelvic exam.

Physical Exam

Also known as a bimanual pelvic exam, this is a process to detect the health of your inner pelvic organs including your uterus and ovaries. During this process, your gynecologist inserts gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina to check for physical abnormalities in your uterus and ovaries. Afterwards, your gynecologist inserts their fingers into your rectum to detect irregularities.

Breast Exam

A breast exam becomes a part of your gynecological exam if you are showing symptoms of conditions like breast cancer but have not gone through recent screening. During this exam, your gynecologist checks for any changes in the appearance of your breasts and looks for the formation of lumps or growths through a physical examination.

What Are the Benefits of a Pelvic Exam?

A pelvic exam has many benefits that include but are not limited to:

  • Performing a detailed assessment of your sexual and reproductive health
  • Diagnosing conditions such as vaginal infections
  • Detecting signs of cancer
  • Administering timely treatments

A pelvic exam is not always performed during a gynecologist treatment, but it is a major part of a gynecological checkup for women who are experiencing symptoms of conditions that affect their sexual and reproductive health. This also holds true for women who are at a high risk of conditions such as cervical cancer.

What Is the Purpose of a Pap Smear Test?

A Pap smear test is performed to extract cervical cells, which are then tested for cervical cancer. This can help with timely detection and treatment of what could be a life-threatening condition.

Typically, it is recommended that you get a Pap smear every 3 to 5 years. But factors such as your age, personal history, family history, and lifestyle may call for you to get your Pap test more frequently. You can discuss these requirements with your gynecologist to benefit from a personalized treatment plan for your reproductive health and overall wellbeing.

How Do Gynecologists Screen for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Gynecologists typically use urine samples or blood samples to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you believe that you have an STI, you may discuss your concerns with your gynecologist and get the required tests to receive suitable treatment. Instead of waiting for your annual gynecological checkup to discuss these health concerns, you can visit your gynecologist to specifically seek treatment for these conditions.

What Should You Do to Prepare for a Gynecological Checkup?

You do not need any special preparations to get a gynecological checkup. All that you need to do is to remind yourself that your gynecologist has your best interests at heart and will not judge you for any questions, concerns, or symptoms that you have surrounding your sexual and reproductive health. By honestly sharing your concerns in a safe environment, you can get ideal treatment to enhance and maintain your wellbeing.

What Are the Most Common Concerns Addressed During a Gynecological Checkup?

Some of the most common concerns that are addressed during a gynecological checkup include but are not limited to:

  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Vaginal infections
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Uterine fibroids
  • PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Cancer screenings
  • Prevention of reproductive health conditions
  • Birth control options

What Happens After Your Gynecological Checkup?

After your consultation and performing any necessary physical exams, your gynecologist concludes the visit by answering your questions about your health. If your gynecologist identifies certain conditions or deduces that you may need further screening, they may prescribe treatment or tests, respectively. For instance, if your concerns arise from possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs), your gynecologist may recommend testing a urine sample before administering treatment.

Henderson Women’s Care—Your Las Vegas/Henderson Women’s Health Specialist

When you visit Henderson Women’s Care for your gynecological checkup, you can rest assured that Dr. Tanita will uphold the highest standards of care during your visit. This includes conducting your detailed consultation and performing required physical exams within a safe space that promotes your wellbeing and comfort.

Do you feel ready to take care of your health? Schedule your consultation by contacting Henderson Women’s Care at (702) 847-6252 or completing our online form today!

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