Gynecologists treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system, which features the vulva, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, and breasts. You can visit a gynecologist as early as puberty and continue to work with them through menopause. Such visits are part of women’s healthcare and cover preventative care, cancer screening, infertility treatment, and more. Here’s what happens at a gynecology checkup:
Medical Review and Consultation
A medical history review is part of your gynecology checkup and involves questions about your personal and family history. Personal medical history covers your general health, sexual activity, menstrual cycle, and birth control. The gynecologist also discusses your recent health concerns, symptoms, and past surgeries or illnesses. Your gynecologist also reviews your family history to determine risk factors like ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A detailed consultation allows the gynecologist to schedule the required diagnosis and screening procedures like a Pap smear. Gynecologists also use the consultation to determine whether a physical checkup or pelvis and breast exam is necessary.
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Physical and Pelvic Exam
A physical exam involves evaluating signs such as blood pressure, weight, and heart rate. Your gynecologist may perform a breast exam to check for lumps and breast tissue changes and provide guidance for self-examination. The doctor may recommend a pelvic exam, which includes external, speculum, and bimanual examinations. An external exam involves inspecting the vulva for abnormalities, while a speculum exam assesses the condition of your cervix and vaginal wall. The check involves inserting a speculum into the vaginal opening. Bimanual exams involve inserting two fingers into the vagina while pressing the abdomen to feel the ovaries, uterus, and other organs. Pap tests screen cells from the cervix for cervical cancer.
Disease Testing and Diagnosis
A visit to a gynecologist involves testing for diseases that affect your sexual and reproductive health. If you have pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or unusual discharge, the physician can test for PCOS, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and endometriosis. Your gynecologist can also order blood work, pelvic ultrasound, and other tests depending on your symptoms. STI and urinary tract infection (UTI) testing is standard when visiting an OBGYN in preparation for pregnancy. Your gynecologist can diagnose sex organ disorders and other issues with menstruation or menopause. The doctor also discusses the results and next steps.
Test and Treatment Schedules
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the ideal age range for the first visit is 13 to 15, and annual checkups can continue into your post-menopause years. During your visit, the gynecologist can recommend follow-up tests and treatment to address your symptoms and reproductive health issues. Not all visits involve physical and pelvic exams or specific symptoms. Regular checkups can be used to proactively monitor your sexual and reproductive health and determine the ideal time to get pregnant. A visit to a gynecologist also offers professional insight into family planning, egg preservation, unexplained infertility, and other matters.
Schedule Your Gynecology Checkup Today
Visiting a gynecologist allows you to address issues that impact your sexual and reproductive health. Whether you want to conceive or treat an underlying medical condition, a gynecologist is trained to customize your diagnosis and treatment. Contact a women’s health care provider today to schedule your gynecology checkup.
