Why you need a Gynecological exam?

Have you ever been to an Obstetrician / Gynecologist or ( Ob/Gyn) for a pelvic exam and Pap test? If your answer is "No." and you are 21 or older, pick up your phone today and make an appointment with your Ob/Gyn or a medical center in your area. On the other hand, if your answer is "Yes," then how long has it been since your last Pap smear and pelvic exam? If you haven't seen your gynecologist for a year or longer, it's time to make an appointment.

Why you need to go?
Getting routine gynecology care will:
•  Help you understand your body and how it works.
•  Establish what is normal for you.
•  Find problems early so they can be treated or to keep them from getting worse.
•  Help you understand why it's healthier for you not to have sex while you are a teenager.
•  Help you learn how to help protect yourself if you do have sex.
•  Help you prepare for healthy relationships and future pregnancies.
•  If your period is very irregular or very late.

Getting care on a regular basis is important. Your Ob/Gyn will talk to you about how to take care of your changing body, how to tell if you have a vaginal infection , why abstinence is the healthiest choice, and how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases if you are sexually active. The Ob/Gyn will also talk to you about your period and will help you out if you are having any problems.

What the check-up includes?
Part of your first visit may be just to talk so you can get to know each other. Your Ob/Gyn may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. You can also ask the doctor any questions you have. You don't have to be scared or embarrassed.

During your visit, Ob/Gyn will check your height, weight, and blood pressure, then also do the following exams:
•  Breast exam – It is really common for young women to have some lumpiness in their breasts, but your doctor will check your breasts to make sure you don't have strange lumps or pain.
•  Pelvic exam – The doctor will exam inside your pelvic area to make sure your reproductive organs are healthy. The doctor will check out the outside of your genital area (the vulva) and will then use a tool called a speculum to look inside your vagina to see your cervix . Remember to try to relax and breathe. Finally, the doctor will feel inside to make sure your internal organs feel okay. There will be pressure, but it should not be painful.
•  Pap test – If you are 21 or older or within three (3) years of your first sexual experience, you should have a Pap test. This test is done to make sure the cells in your cervix are normal. The doctor will lightly swab your cervix during your pelvic exam to gather cells that can be looked at on a slide at a lab. It is best to have a Pap test when you don't have your period. If there are any problems with your cells, you will be contacted. The majority of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in five or more years. Sadly, these women are usually at an advanced stage of cancer when they receive diagnosis.