First Visit to the Gynecologist - Pelvic Exam 101
Monday June 23, 2003
Have you had your first visit to the gynecologist for a pelvic exam and Pap smear? All women who are 18 or those who are younger and sexually active must begin yearly visits to the gynecologist. Learn what to expect and what your doctor is looking for during your examination in this article.
Comments
What absolute nonsense – you’d think womanhood was a disease!
Pelvic exams are totally unnecessary in asymptomatic women and are NOT recommended in other countries. (except Germany)
My Dr believes they can be harmful (leading to more unnecessary and possibly harmful testing)
Our doctors have been warned for years NOT to routinely examine the breasts of women under 40 – it’s much more likely to harm you with unnecessary biopsies…which are a risk factor for cancer. (If you have family history, speak to a specialist in the area)
Pap smears – be careful before agreeing to them.
This is an unreliable test for an uncommon cancer and requires your informed consent, because it carries risks to your health.
The most successful program in the world (and it still has an unacceptably high rate of false positives and biopsies for my liking) is the Finnish program – they have the lowest rates of cervical cancer and the lowest number of biopsies and false postives. (55% of women have biopsies in their screening lifetime – it’s 95% for the States)
They offer testing from age 30 and then 5 yearly until 50, 55 or 60 (depending on risk profile and previous results)
Testing under age 30 and too frequently increases your risk of unnecessary colposcopy and biopsies.(and problems)
As a low risk woman, I have declined screening.
US women are over-examined, over-tested and over-treated to their detriment.