In the past, it was recommended that women receive an annual pelvic exam. But newer findings have suggested that women may only need a pelvic exam every three years. However, there are many situations in which you may need a pelvic exam this year.
Health Conditions That Require a Pelvic Exam
If you notice that you have the warning signs of certain diseases, you should consider going in for a pelvic exam. You may experience bloating and a swelling abdomen. You might notice that your abdomen has increased in size. You may have frequent nausea that is unexplained.
You might experience vaginal bleeding when you are not on your period. You might also experience pain whenever you're having sex. If you experience unexplained weight loss or difficulty urinating, you might need to have a pelvic exam. All of these symptoms are warning signs of ovarian cancer.
Vaginal bleeding and painful sex can also be a warning sign of cervical cancer. Also, look for a vaginal discharge that smells terrible. The discharge might be watery, brown or mixed with blood. You may experience leg pain, which is a warning sign of cervical cancer. The cancer pushes up against the nerves of the pelvic wall and can cause leg pain.
Pelvic Exams During a Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you should consider getting a pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor will examine your reproductive organs. The pelvic exam will also be one of the prenatal checkups in which the doctor examines the health of the baby. The doctor will make sure that the cervix has been properly sealed with a mucus plug. If your doctor does not discover anything wrong during the pelvic exam, no further pelvic examinations are necessary until the 36th week of the pregnancy. If your doctor does discover that something is wrong, you should have follow-up examinations.
After the 36th week, the doctor will perform more frequent pelvic exams. This is necessary to monitor the effacement and dilation of the cervix. By doing so, you'll have an easier time determining how close the delivery is. If you have a medical condition that places you at greater risk for a preterm baby, this may also lead to your doctor recommending more frequent pelvic exams.
Regardless of your situation, you should always receive a well-woman exam. There are many other health screenings that you might need in addition to a pelvic exam. For more information, contact a medical office like Naples Ob-Gyn.
Share23 September 2018
Hi there, my name is Judy Donovan. Welcome to my website about gynecology. When I was a young adult, I did not take my health seriously. I felt that I would have years before I had to start worrying about female health concerns. Unfortunately, I did not have that much time before I started exhibiting symptoms pointing to a women’s health condition. I sought help from my local gynecologist to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan. I created this website to help other women embrace the importance of preventive health care. Please feel free to come by my site daily to learn more.
