You have decided that it’s time to visit your OB/GYN for your first pelvic exam, and you are understandably nervous about the procedure. While this is a common exam and essential to receiving the best preventative health care available, many people are intimidated by the pelvic exam.
At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we believe that our High Desert patients benefit from understanding this routine exam prior to coming in for their first appointment. A Victorville woman can expect the following things to occur during her first pelvic exam.
What is a Pelvic Exam?
A pelvic exam is a routine exam performed at the annual OB/GYN visit that is recommended to women who are in their reproductive and menopausal years. During this exam, the doctor is looking to examine the reproductive organs while also inspecting for signs of disease or infection.
In many cases, a PAP test is performed during this exam in order to test for cervical cancer. A pelvic exam is a pivotal part of any preventative health care plan, for it emphasizes early detection and treatment options.
How Will This Exam Feel?
Many women describe that the exam is uncomfortable, but not painful. If at any time you are feeling pain during the exam, you should notify your doctor. The exam itself only lasts a few minutes.
Women can utilize a few tips in order to make the exam more comfortable. Relaxing the shoulders and the muscles between the legs will help with the comfort of the exam, and women should make an effort to take slow, deep breaths during the exam itself.
What Will the Gynecologist Do During the Exam?
Women are asked to undress and put on a gown during this exam. The first part of the exam is the external exam, which is when the doctor examines the vulva and vaginal opening. The speculum exam is the second part of the exam. At this point, the doctor will lubricate a small speculum and insert it into the vagina, allowing the doctor to see the cervix. A PAP test is usually performed at this time.
After this, the bimanual exam takes place. The doctor will insert two fingers into the vagina in order to examine the size of the uterus and the ovaries, as well as the fallopian tubes. Finally, a rectovaginal exam may be necessary. This requires the doctor to insert a finger into the rectum in order to check for tumors in the uterus, vaginal wall, or rectum.
Dr. Ahmadinia recommends that women come in for their first pelvic exam by the time they are 21 years old, but some women may opt to have this exam performed sooner. A pelvic exam is an important part of maintaining good reproductive health. In addition, this exam allows the OB/GYN to keep an eye out for signs of disease or infection, as well as test for precancerous cells in the cervix.
While the experience may seem uncomfortable to someone who is having it performed for the first time, it will soon become a routine part of taking care of your body as a woman. Dr. Ahmadinia’s goal is to make each patient feel calm, comfortable, and informed throughout the entire process.
