HEALTH
Faze Online
Gynecology
What
is a gynecologist?
A
gynecologist is a medical doctor/physician who specializes in
the care of women and their reproductive organs. Most gynecologists
have experience in general medicine as well as surgery of the
female genital tract. Many gynecologists are also obstetricians
who care for pregnant women and deliver their babies.
Going
to the gynecologist
Although
some family doctors have experience in the routine care of women,
in general most women should see a gynecologist at age 18 or
when they become sexually active (which ever comes first). Many
gynecologists' offices have skilled nurse practitioners who
will administer routine care under the guidance of a gynecologist.
Routine care includes an annual pap smear,
birth control information,
and a physical and pelvic exam. A woman or girl should also
see a gynecologist if she is having pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal
or
menstrual bleeding, abnormal
vaginal discharge or other symptoms pertaining to the female
genitalia.
Pap
Smear
A
pap smear is a sampling of cells taken from the cervix. It is
a very important test to screen for the presence of cancer.
It also can detect abnormal cells that may be the precursors
for cancer. These are called dysplastic cells. Your pap smear
can occasionally identify
sexually transmitted diseases such as
herpes or human papilloma virus. You should have a pap smear
once a year beginning at age 18 or when you become sexually
active and continuing for the rest of your life. Your annual
pap smear is important and one of your best weapons in protecting
yourself from cervical cancer.
Pelvic
Exam?
A
pelvic exam is performed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
It begins with the patient lying on a table with her feet
in "stirrups". This allows the doctor to examine the external
genitalia and insert a speculum which opens
the walls of the vagina so that the cervix can be seen. The
doctor or nurse then gently scrapes the cervix (pap smear)
so the cells can be evaluated in a lab. After the speculum
is removed, the doctor will insert several fingers into the
vagina and push on your lower abdomen in an attempt to feel
the uterus and ovaries. This can be easily done in very thin
females but is more difficult in heavier women. Some doctors
will then put a finger in the rectum and vagina to evaluate
the rectal wall and check for blood in the stool.
