Pelvic Exams and Tests
Gynecological Exams and the Pap Smear
Pap smear and Pelvic Exam
An annual gynecological exam and Pap smear can save the life of many women from cervical-uterine cancer and breast cancer. By performing these routine medical procedures, your doctor can detect problems related to cervical-uterine cancer and breast cancer and treat them before they become worse.
It is a fact that women of Mexican-American and Puerto Rican origin have an incidence of cancer of the cervix that is two to three times higher than the rate of Caucasian or white women. It is for this reason that it is very important that you have a Pap smear done every year.
What is a gynecological exam?
A gynecological exam includes a pelvic exam, a Pap smear and a breast exam.
What do I need to do for my gynecological exam appointment?
- Do not use vaginal creams, spermacides or lubricants for at least 2 days prior to the exam.
- Do not use any treatment with vaginal suppositories or vaginal douches.
What is a Pap smear exam?
To carry out this exam, your doctor or nurse will gently insert a lubricated vaginal speculum (an instrument that keeps the vagina open). Your doctor will examine the walls of your vagina to see if there is any inflammation, any lesions, or an infection. A sample of the cervix will be taken using a small brush or swab. Your doctor will tell you when you can get the results of this exam.
How often should a Pap smear be done?
If you are 18 years old or if you are having sexual relations, you should have a Pap smear done once each year. Your doctor can also tell you if it is necessary to have this exam done more frequently.
The Pelvic Exam
The pelvic exam takes just a few minutes to do. It includes an exam of the external genitalia and an exam of your internal genitalia, which include: the vagina, uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes.
The pelvic exam can help your doctor to detect the presence of ovarian cysts (liquid filled sacs), uterine fibromas (growths in the uterus), tumors and other abnormalities.
This exam requires you to lie down on a gynecological exam table that has two special stirrups to keep your legs separated and flexed.
Your doctor will put on a sterile, lubricated glove in order to carry out this procedure. After examining the external genitalia, he or she will place two fingers inside your vagina, touching the cervix (the collar of the uterus). Your doctor will gently press his/her other hand on your abdomen, in order to feel your uterus and other reproductive organs.
The purpose of this is to identify any mass, tumor, nodule or growth in your reproductive organs.
How often should I have this exam?
You should have a pelvic exam every year if you are 18 years old or older, or if you have sexual relations prior to the age of 18.
Breast exam
During the gynecological exam, your doctor or health care professional will examine your breasts to see if any mass or cyst can be felt. You should make an appointment with your doctor every year for this exam. Also, you should learn to do a self exam every month.