How to do a cervical exam

Under normal circumstances, women’s cervix has a variety of defense functions, but after the cervix is damaged by childbirth and uterine operation, once infection occurs, it is difficult to remove the pathogens completely, which will lead to chronic inflammation of the cervix, in addition, the cervix may also be infected with certain viruses for a long period of time, especially the human papillomavirus, cancer may also occur, so it is necessary to carry out a routine checkup of the cervix. The examination of the cervix begins with a gynecological examination by a doctor, using a speculum to open the vagina and expose the cervix, observing the size and color of the cervix, the shape of the external orifice, the presence of hemorrhages, erosions, tears, ectropion, glandular cysts, polyps, masses, and the presence of hemorrhages or discharges in the cervical canal, and then cervical cytology (TCT), HPV, or cervical secretion smears and cultures are carried out. If the TCT of the cervix suggests a problem, the doctor will also ask the patient to undergo further colposcopy and cervical biopsy. If the biopsy pathology suggests carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma cannot be ruled out, cervical conization should be performed to help with the diagnosis. Cervical examination is a step-by-step in-depth examination, anytime when there are symptoms, without symptoms, the annual gynecological physical examination as a routine checkup program.