It’s normal to experience some jitters when you first meet a new doctor. You might be unsure what questions to ask. And, of course, the medical exam itself can cause some anxiety.
A pelvic floor exam, for instance, is a routine part of an annual gynecologist visit. If you’ve never had a pelvic exam, then learning what you can expect from the procedure may help put your mind at ease.
Discussion of Your Medical History
Before the exam, there will be a conversation about your medical background. Your doctor will ask general questions about any conditions you have. This is an opportunity for you to voice any concerns that you have about your sexual and reproductive health.
If you experience frequent pelvic pain, for example, now is the time to discuss it. Any details you can provide will help them know what to look for during your exam.
The Pelvic Floor Exam
The first part of the procedure is a visual examination of the vagina and vulva. Your doctor will look for things like redness, irritation, discharge, and other signs of infection or disorders.
The second part is a speculum examination. A speculum is a device that allows your doctor to make a full inspection of the vagina and cervix to check for signs of any health issues.
Your doctor may conduct a pap smear during the speculum exam. In the past, it was normal to order a pap smear at every annual exam. Now, patients usually only need one every three years.
Last comes the manual examination. This is where your doctor inspects the internal sexual organs while feeling the abdomen. While this can be an awkward procedure, it’s crucial to check for signs of pelvic floor disorders.
Discussing Your Concerns and Future Treatment Outlook
After your pelvic floor exam, your doctor will be able to discuss any issues that they found right away. Remember that pelvic exams are a routine procedure, so if all goes well then your doctor may have nothing of note to report. But if there are signs of pelvic muscle dysfunction or other issues, they’ll have a frank conversation with you to discuss your outlook and care options.
They may recommend pelvic floor adjustments to help strengthen the muscles in the region, for instance. This therapy can help prevent serious issues like pelvic organ prolapse later in life.
You should be an active participant in this conversation. More than half of Americans say they are afraid to ask doctors important questions about their health, so you’re not alone if you’re less than comfortable having this discussion. But it’s important to take a primary role in your care decisions.
Don’t Be Afraid to Have Earnest Conversations
It is very common to feel nervous before or during an appointment. And a procedure like a pelvic floor exam may feel particularly awkward. But taking charge of your health often requires you to have frank discussions with your healthcare provider.
Many women feel more comfortable discussing these issues with a female primary care provider. They better understand the need for women’s preventative treatment and can make you feel heard when you need to have care conversations.
If you’re ready to get the care you need in Boise, contact Women’s Health Associates to schedule an appointment today.
