What to Look for in a Gynecological Examination

First, gynecological examination “check” which parts? Vulva The purpose of the examination: whether the skin of the vulva is smooth, whether the color is normal, whether there are ulcers, dermatitis, superfluous organisms and hypopigmentation, etc. The normal pubic hair of the vulva is distributed in a triangle with the tip downward. Normal vulvar pubic hair is pointed downward, triangular distribution, labia majora pigmentation, labia minora reddish, length of clitoris, urethral orifice around the mucous membrane light pink. Vagina Purpose of examination: to see whether the surface of the vaginal mucosa is smooth, whether the texture is normal, whether there are bleeding spots, and whether the vaginal secretion is normal in character and odor. Normal vaginal wall mucosa is light pink in color, with folds, no ulcers, redundant organisms, cysts, congenital malformations, and the secretion is egg-white or white paste with no fishy smell and small amount, but it increases during ovulation and pregnancy. If the leukorrhea is to be examined, the doctor will take a specimen at this time. Cervix Purpose of examination: To observe whether there is any swelling, ulcer, erosion or polyp on the cervix, whether the cervix is of normal size, whether the surface is smooth, whether the texture is too hard, and whether there is any prolapse of the uterus. A normal cervix will be elevated around the periphery with a hole in the center. The cervix is rounded in the case of immature women, and in the case of women who have given birth to a child, it is tough, reddish in color, and smooth on the surface. This is the time when the doctor will take a specimen if a cervical smear is to be done. Uterus and adnexa The purpose of the examination is to find out the position of the fundus of the uterus, whether it is movable or not, and what its texture is like. If the uterus is enlarged, too hard, or the surface of the uterus is not smooth, it is abnormal and needs to be further examined. Normal uterus is inverted pear shape, most of them are in anterior tilted forward flexion position, with medium hard texture and good mobility. The ovaries and fallopian tubes, collectively known as the “annexes”, are movable and have a slightly aching and swelling sensation when touched. Normal fallopian tubes can not be touched. Second, gynecological examination how to “check”? Pap smear This method can be used to check estrogen level and also to find cancer cells. Cells are scraped from the cervix to see if there is a possibility of cancer; married women are advised to have this test once a year. This test is safe and not time-consuming. Colposcopy A 10x binocular magnifying glass is used to check the cervix for signs of cancer, usually when the Pap test is abnormal. Colposcopy is painless, does not require anesthesia, and takes only a few minutes. Biopsy Biopsy of the cervix and vagina, usually done at the time of colposcopy, in order to obtain a specimen from the area observed to be most abnormal. Biopsies of small areas of the vulva may be done in the diagnostic room with local anesthesia; cervical biopsies usually do not require anesthesia. When cancer is suspected, tissue less than 6 mm is taken and examined under a microscope. Cervical curettage A small spatula is inserted into the cervical canal to scrape the endocervical tissue. It is examined under a microscope by a pathologist and is usually done during a colposcopy. Cone excision (cone biopsy) Small pieces of tissue are cut from the cervix under anesthesia using a laser, electrocautery or scalpel. Conical excision is sometimes used for abnormal biopsy results, further diagnosis, or removal of abnormal tissue. Endometrial biopsy A thin metal or plastic tube is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The tube is moved back and forth while suction is performed on the outer end to aspirate and collect the endometrial tissue, which is sent to a laboratory for examination. The cause of abnormal bleeding can usually be diagnosed. An endometrial biopsy can be done in the diagnostic room without anesthesia and is like a menstrual cramp. Hysteroscopy A thin tube about 8 mm in diameter is inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The tube contains a fiber-optic device that transmits light to look into the darkened uterine cavity, and may have instruments for taking a biopsy or an electrocautery device. The source of abnormal bleeding or other lesions can usually be visualized, and biopsy specimens can be taken and sutured or excised. It can be done in the diagnostic room or in the hospital at the same time as diagnostic curettage. Curettage The cervix is dilated with a metal dilator to allow the curette to enter the uterus and scrape the lining of the uterus. This procedure is used to take a biopsy, to diagnose endometrial abnormalities, or to treat an incomplete miscarriage. For treatment of incomplete miscarriages, the spatula is plastic and has a device at the outer end for suction. The procedure is usually performed in a hospital. Uterine Tubal Ultrasonography A procedure in which the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes are visualized by injecting a contrast medium into the cavity and tubes. It is mainly used to determine the patency of the tubes, and can also show the shape and alignment of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, the mobility of the tubes, and indirectly, the degree of pelvic adhesions. Ultrasound Scan Probing the internal organs through the abdominal wall or vagina, it reflects the graphic display of the internal structures on the monitor screen to help clarify the condition and size of the fetus, diagnose fetal anomalies, multiple pregnancies, tubal pregnancies, tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities of the pelvic organs. Ultrasound scanning is painless. It is also used for amniocentesis and other surgical guidance for specimen collection. Laparoscopy A small incision is made through the base of the navel and a thin, visible tube with a fiber optic is inserted into the abdominal cavity. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to provide a clearer view of the abdomen and pelvic organs. Often laparoscopy is used to diagnose the cause of pelvic pain, infertility and other gynecologic conditions. Laparoscopy is used in conjunction with other instruments for biopsies, sterilization and other procedures; it can also be used to retrieve eggs during artificial insemination. The test should be performed in a hospital and requires anesthesia; some procedures require local anesthesia, most use general anesthesia. Posterior fornix puncture A puncture needle is inserted into the pelvis through the vaginal wall behind the cervix, usually when an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, to determine if there is bleeding. This gynecological exam is usually performed in the emergency room without anesthesia. With the above in mind, I’m sure you don’t feel so mystified by gynecological exams. Women don’t want to be nervous and embarrassed about their gynecological exams! Be more relaxed to get more comprehensive and accurate results.