We can all avoid most of the usual health problems if we look after ourselves and allow ourselves to be looked after by the relevant experts. For women, one of the most important things is gynaecological care.
I’ve Been Told That I Need To Have A Pelvic Examination. What Is This, And Does It Hurt?A pelvic exam is a full gynaecological examination of your reproductive organs to rule out any problems. There are three parts to the scan:
- Examination of the outer part of the genitals, or the vulva
- An internal examination with a speculum (a device that helps to open up the walls of the vagina in order to see the cervix properly)
- A manual examination with gloves, so that the doctor can feel the internal organs. Depending on the case, if you’re still very young, you may only need one or two parts of the examination. Try to relax. If you are tense, you may feel some pressure or discomfort, but if you’re relaxed, the pelvic examination shouldn’t hurt. For girls who have never had a sexual relationship, a special speculum should be used to cause as little discomfort as possible.
I’ve Heard About Cervical Screening, But What Is It Exactly And What’s It For?Cervical screening is a test designed to detect abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix (or the lower part of the womb, or uterus), and to detect certain infections. This is carried out in the same position as the pelvic examination, and with the speculum in position. A small brush is inserted to collect cells, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test is also painless.
Will I Lose My Virginity If I Have A Gynaecological Examination?You will NOT lose your virginity if you have a pelvic examination. The membranes surrounding the vaginal opening, or the hymen, are already perforated in order to allow for the menstrual flow to escape when you reach puberty. The speculum used is known as a ""duck-bill"" speculum, because of its shape. Just like a duck’s beak, it’s very thin when closed (when inserted into the vagina), and the part that remains in the narrow part of the vagina hardly opens at all. The hinged parts do open up inside so that the doctor can see the neck of the womb properly, but as the vaginal walls are very elastic, you won’t feel any discomfort, as long as you relax and don’t tense up down below.
Will The Doctor Examine My Breasts? Why Do They Do This?If you have any concerns about the shape or development of your breasts, you can mention this to your GP (or your gynaecologist, if you have one) and they will then examine you to make sure that everything is okay and to put your mind at rest.
A breast examination is a routine part of a full gynaecological examination. Although breast cancer is very rare in young girls, it’s important for your doctor to check for any abnormal lumps that may be associated with benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as fibroadenomas or fibrocystic disease. Breast examinations are also important for reassuring young girls that it’s perfectly normal to find small irregularities and a lack of symmetry when your breasts are developing.
If I Notice Something Strange, When Should I Start To Worry?If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should see your GP (or gynaecologist, if you have one) as soon as possible:
- Severe pain in the pelvic area.
- Severe period pains.
- Iregular periods for more than two years after your first period.
- Pain in the vaginal area, or swelling, itching or abnormal menstrual flow.
- Blood in your pee.
- You think you could be pregnant (for example, if you’ve had a sexual relationship and your period is late).
- You notice symptoms that could be associated with a sexually transmitted disease (for example, you have a burning or itching feeling, or you have vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell).
I’m Itching Down Below, But I Haven’t Been With A Boy. Could I Still Have An Infection?It’s possible. One of the most common infections is a vaginal yeast infection. You can get this by wearing a wet swimsuit for too long, wearing underwear made of synthetic fibres, or after taking a course of antibiotics. You don’t need to have had any sexual contact to get it. Make an appointment to see your GP (or gynaecologist, if you have one) and they will take a look to see what’s going on and will give you something to treat it and relieve the itching.
This may involve examining the affected area and maybe carrying out a culture test. This is simply taking a small sample from your vaginal fluid with a small rod. This swab is then sent to the laboratory to see whether there’s an infection and, if so, what kind.
I Thought That You Only Had A Scan If You Were Pregnant. Why Do They Want To Do One On Me?A scan enables a gynaecologist to see all the internal pelvic organs. It’s very useful for ruling out ovarian cysts, malformations of the uterus and other problems. Depending on your age, it can either be done using a vaginal probe (which gives a better image), or over your belly (in which case, you need to have a full bladder). A scan is sometimes done if you’re suffering from persistent pelvic pain or you doctor thinks there could be a problem.
And What About Confidentiality? I’m Worried That If I Talk To My GP (Or Gynaecologist) Tthey’ll Tell My Parents About Things That I Don’t Want Them To Know.If you’re worried about confidentiality, you should let your doctor know BEFORE you answer any questions they might ask you. They will then also discuss the issue of confidentiality with your parents. Although your doctor will want to respect your confidentiality, they may also feel obliged to protect you if they identify any high-risk behaviour that could seriously endanger your health. It may be helpful to discuss all of this together, or your doctor may wish to talk to you each separately.
