Every time you see information about gynecological diseases, do you secretly click to take a look and test yourself to see if you have any related problems? When you see articles about preventing women's diseases, you can't help but pay attention, because from minor issues like abnormal vaginal discharge and itching to major issues like cervical cancer and ovarian cancer, every type of gynecological disease is a "nightmare" that women worry about.
Strangely, no matter how terrible the nightmare is, many women are still unwilling to go to the hospital for a gynecological examination, and even deliberately avoid the examination during the free physical examination provided by their workplace.
Gynecological examination platforms have become the last place many women want to lie on! Is it due to "avoiding medical treatment," embarrassment, or something else?
Xiao Jiu interviewed Li Ye, the director of the Department of Gynecology at Beijing Hospital , to talk to us about gynecological examinations.
1. Why are women afraid of gynecological examinations?
Besides the psychological factor of fearing that one's private parts will be exposed, another important reason is pain!
Firstly, the areas requiring gynecological examinations are mostly delicate mucous membranes. These sensitive areas can cause pain during examination, and excessive force can easily cause damage, which is why many people are afraid of gynecological examinations.
Secondly, during a gynecological examination, the doctor will use a speculum to open the vagina and use a cotton swab to collect vaginal secretions for examination. This can be more painful for women who have had infrequent sexual intercourse, have a tighter vagina, or have had a cesarean section.
In addition to a speculum, the doctor will insert two fingers of one hand into the vagina while using the other hand to examine the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and its appendages. The purpose is to check for abnormalities in the vagina, cervix, uterine body, fallopian tubes, ovaries, parametrial connective tissue, and pelvic cavity. Gentle movements and precise techniques can alleviate pain for patients. However, the thickness and pressure of each doctor's fingers vary, and patients' pain levels differ. An unpleasant first examination can increase a patient's aversion to gynecological examinations.
2. How often should I have a gynecological exam?
A gynecological exam only needs to be done once a year.
However, if you experience unusual symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, lower abdominal pain, or irregular vaginal bleeding, you should seek medical attention promptly!
Note that you must choose a reputable hospital or medical examination center!
3. What specific examinations will be performed?
A routine gynecological examination includes examining the vulva, vagina, cervix, as well as the size, shape, and position of the uterus, and the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The number of examinations performed depends on the patient's condition.
The first step is a routine gynecological examination, including examination of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, bilateral adnexa, and pelvic cavity. If any problems are found during the initial examination, further examinations will be conducted.
Inflammation of the vulva and vagina: Collect secretions and perform an inflammation test;
To determine if there is cervical inflammation or growths: TCL + HPV test;
Gynecological ultrasound to check for problems in the uterus, adnexa, and pelvic cavity;
If abnormal masses or nodules are found: blood tests for tumor markers, MRI or CT scans, and other imaging examinations are required for further investigation.
4. Precautions before the inspection?
Avoid having your check-up during your menstrual period!
If you are afraid of pain, you can inform the doctor in advance so that a smaller speculum can be used and the examination can be performed with less force.
Avoid sexual intercourse the night before your gynecological exam.
Before going to the hospital, simply rinse your vulva to keep it clean and hygienic and avoid embarrassment. However, do not wash the inside of your vagina within 24 hours before the examination, as this will wash away abnormal secretions and some potential cancer cells that may be detected through a biopsy, affecting the doctor's accurate diagnosis.
Since trousers cannot be worn during gynecological examinations, patients are advised to wear loose-fitting trousers for the appointment, which can be easily removed quickly.
Although gynecological examinations can be painful, the pain can be reduced to some extent by using a small speculum and choosing a doctor who uses gentle pressure. Remember, gynecological examinations should not be avoided and must be done regularly!
