Many people assume that gynecologists only see sexually active patients, but that is not the case. They do much more than just examine your pelvic area, like test for STIs, chlamydia and other health conditions.
Visiting a gynecologist can be a bit embarrassing at first, but it is important to choose the right one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a gynecologist in Clifton, Montclair and the North Jersey area.
Preventive care
A lot of people assume gynecological exams are only for those who are sexually active, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Gynecological exams are not only meant to detect signs of cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases, but also offer many preventive care benefits like health screenings, pap smears, birth control information, and advice for women’s issues such as menopause management.
When a girl first visits the gynecologist, she will probably be asked questions about her medical history and sexual activity, as well as her future plans regarding sex and family planning. It can be awkward to discuss these topics at times, but remember that your gynecologist is a trained professional who has heard it all before. She is also a confidential resource for your concerns and can provide support and guidance in a nonjudgmental and respectful manner.
It is recommended that girls visit the gynecologist as early as age 13, but you should consult your doctor for more specific recommendations based on your needs and health situation. During your exam, you can request for a chaperone to be present if you feel uncomfortable, and your gynecologist will make every effort to ensure that you are comfortable and informed during your appointment. It’s important to be honest with your gynecologist as it helps her to best help you – This section was prepared by the service’s author teen-super-sexy.com.
Pap smears
Pap smears are an important part of cervical cancer screening. During the test, doctors collect cells from the cervix (the lower end of the uterus) and analyze them in the lab to see if they are cancerous or have other changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
It is recommended that women start Pap smear screening at age 21, and should have them done every three years until they reach age 65. After that, most people should get them every five years with a Pap and HPV co-test. People who are at high risk for cervical cancer should continue to get Pap smears more frequently. This includes women who are infected with HIV, those who are immunocompromised from another condition or treatment like chemotherapy, and those who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol while in their mother’s womb.
During a Pap smear, the doctor will insert a metal or plastic tool called a speculum into the vagina. This isn’t painful, but it might be uncomfortable for some women. The provider may also use a brush or spatula to scrape cells from the cervix. The samples are then placed on a slide and fixed with a preservative.
While the Pap test does not actually screen for sexually transmitted diseases, it can detect the presence of certain types of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. During the exam, women may experience light bleeding or spotting, and may wish to wear a pad in case of this.
Breast exams
The gynecologist can check for any growths in the vagina and labia (the areas around the penis, vulva and ovaries). These might be an ingrown hair or a small pimple but could also be something more serious. They will perform a pelvic exam using a speculum to see inside the uterus, vagina and vulva canal. If they are worried about a lump or growth, they can order further tests such as mammograms and ultrasounds.
A gynecologist is qualified to provide routine, preventive care including Pap smears, breast exams and STI screenings. People assigned female at birth (person AFAB) should visit a gynecologist regularly once they become sexually active or are between 13 and 15.
They can also diagnose conditions of the uterus, fallopian tubes and vagina, such as ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis. They can treat these conditions with medication or surgery. They can also give human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations that protect against cancer-causing HPV.
Gynecologists must complete a bachelor’s degree and medical school before becoming doctors of medicine or osteopathy (MD or DO). They then spend four years in a residency program for obstetrics and gynecology. A gynecologist may choose to specialize in sub-specialty areas such as maternal and fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology or reproductive endocrinology. Gynecologists are also able to perform surgical procedures such as hysterectomies and tubal ligations.
STI tests
Whether you’re sexually active or not, it’s important to let your doctor know so they can screen for STIs. These infections, also called STDs, can cause serious health problems or spread to others. Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so they can be hard to detect. Getting screened regularly can help prevent STIs, and your doctor will be able to give you advice on the best birth control options for your lifestyle.
Talking about sex can be scary, but your doctor wants to make sure you get the best care possible. They’ll need to know about your sexual history in order to test for STIs, discuss birth control options, and offer other key advice. Being open and honest with your gynecologist can improve your relationship with them, and it will also make it easier for them to identify any issues that may arise in the future.
In medical terms, “sexually active” means having sex with someone else, including oral sex or vaginal penetration. It does not include masturbation, which is different from sex and does not pose a risk of catching or spreading an STI or pregnancy. Your gynecologist will usually recommend that people age 13 and older get tested for HIV once every three years, and people who are in a monogamous relationship or who have been tested for STIs should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia yearly. Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and gonorrhea and chlamydia at the first prenatal visit.