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?
- 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.
- The doctor looks at a girl's genitals for signs of infections.
- 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).
- 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.
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