Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming pelvic exam? If so, you are not alone. Many women have questions and concerns about what they to expect during this health checkup. To help put your mind at ease, our OB/GYN specialists in Northwest Indiana explain what you can typically expect during a pelvic exam and how to prepare for it.
Pelvic exams and pap smears – what’s the difference?
A pelvic exam is a full checkup of your reproductive organs. During this checkup, an OB/GYN specialist in Northwest Indiana looks for anything unusual that could affect your reproductive health, like ovarian cysts or infections.
A pap smear is usually part of a pelvic exam. During a pap smear, your OB/GYN collects cells from your cervix to check for inflammation, infection and abnormal cells that could indicate cervical cancer or other reproductive issues.
Why are pelvic exams so important?
Pelvic exams are essential to women’s health as they help find gynecological cancers early, which improves the chances of successful treatment. These exams also help spot reproductive health problems like uterine polyps, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Pelvic exams can also help diagnose irregular menstruation and pelvic pain, such as with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Lastly, they are crucial for monitoring changes in your reproductive organs during pregnancy and menopause.
Prepare for your pelvic exam
If this is your first pelvic exam, you might be wondering how to prepare. Luckily, there is not much you have to do. Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. You should use the bathroom before the exam to feel more at ease.
What should you expect from your pelvic exam?
You will be asked to change into a gown before the exam. During the exam, you will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. Your doctor will begin your examine by checking your cervix. If a pap smear is part of your pelvic exam, your OB/GYN will take a sample of your cervical cells with a small brush or spatula.
An entire pelvic exam only takes about 3 to 5 minutes. While it is normal to feel some pressure or mild discomfort during a pelvic exam, it should not hurt. It can help to relax your muscles and take slow, deep breaths. That said, if you do experience pain at any point, let your OB/GYN know immediately.
What happens after your exam?
If you had a pap smear, you might have to wait some days for the results. Either way, your OB/GYN will tell you if you need any more tests or treatments based on your results.
Looking for an Affordable OB/GYN Specialist in Northwest Indiana?
Are you ready to schedule your pelvic exam? If so, and if you’re looking for an affordable OB/GYN specialist in Northwest Indiana, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.