Q&A Forum Pledge for Kids
Home
What's New
Topics
Recalls
Medicine Cabinet
Traveling Parent
Medical Links
[Suggestion]
[Topics] Home
Back to You & Your Body

YOUR HEALTH

GIRLS

WHAT IS A GYNECOLOGICAL CHECKUP?

A gynecological checkup is done to a woman's reproductive organs. The checkup is also called a GYN exam or pelvic exam. A GYN checkup is usually done by a doctor, specially trained nurse or physician's assistant.

WHY DOES A GIRL NEED A CHECKUP?
  • She has questions about puberty or her body.
  • She has questions or problems with her period.
  • She needs birth control.
  • It is time for her pap smear. (A Pap smear is a routine test for cancer of the cervix.)
  • She needs a pregnancy test.
  • She is worried about infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
HOW OLD SHOULD A GIRL WHEN SHE HAS HER FIRST CHECKUP?

There is no set age when a girl should start getting regular GYN checkups. It's best to start before she starts having sex. Some girls begin checkups later.

A girl should tell the doctor if it is her first checkup and ask the doctor to explain what is happening. If the girl wants to watch, she can ask to look in a mirror while the doctor examines her.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A CHECKUP?
  1. The doctor checks a girl's breast for lumps. Most breast lumps are harmless. But some are warning signs of cancer. Other tests may be necessary to be sure lump is safe. The doctor should teach a girl hot to examine her own breasts. Women and girls should examine their breasts every month.

  2. The doctor looks at a girl's genitals for signs of infections.

  3. The doctor looks inside the girl's vagina. A speculum holds the vagina open so the doctor can see the cervix. The doctor is looking for signs of infections.

    While the doctor is checking the vagina, he or she may also do a Pap test, the doctor gently removes some cells from the cervix. The cells are sent to a lab. The Pap test does not hurt. It is usually done once a year.
    The doctor may also take some cell samples to test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

  4. The doctor does a pelvic exam to check the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. For this exam the doctor puts two gloved fingers into the vagina and presses down on the stomach with the other hand. The doctor wants to be sure everything is in the right place and that there are no growths. A pelvic exam may also be done to test for pregnancy. At most GYN checkup the blood and urine are tested for infections and disease. The clinic will also check a girl's blood pressure and weight.
WILL A GYN CHECKUP HURT?

No. If a girl is healthy, the checkup will not hurt. But it could be uncomfortable. If the checkup does hurt or is uncomfortable, tell the doctor. The more relaxed a girl is, the easier the checkup is.

CAN THE DOCTOR TELL WHETHER OR NOT A GIRL HAS HAD SEX?

NO. There is no way for a doctor to know if a girl's had intercourse. The doctor may or may not see a girl's hymen. Everyone's hymen is different. Some girls have only part of a hymen. Some never have a hymen. Some may have broken theirs while exercising or stretched it with a tampon.

But if you are having sex, it's important to tell your doctor. It helps your doctor check carefully for infection and pregnancy. Let your doctor know it this information is confidential. Home Return to Top

[line]

Send your comments to: webmaster@drpaula.com