By: Aaliyah Ellison-McPeters
What is a Gynecological Exam?
A gynecological exam is often performed by gynecologists or other trained healthcare providers
such as nurse-midwives and primary care physicians. It involves a pap smear and a pelvic
exam. During the pelvic exam, the gynecologist will examine your reproductive organs for
abnormalities such as cysts or lumps present. During a pap smear, the cervix is swabbed to
collect cells to determine if they are precancerous or cancerous. Further testing, such as HPV or
STI testing, may also be performed during this exam. It is recommended by the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that a woman begins receiving these
annual exams at 21, regardless of sexual activity. A woman may require screening sooner if
they are experiencing abnormal menstrual cycles or have other abnormal symptoms, such as
pain in the pelvic region and unusual vaginal discharge.
Early Detection and Preventative Care
Gynecological exams are important for monitoring overall reproductive health, spanning from
menstruation to menopause. Discussions of periods, abnormalities, fertility, and conditions such
as PCOS and fibroids are all typical during these visits. Early detection is important for other
conditions, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and some STIs, since, for many people,
symptoms may not show up in their early stages. Cervical cancer, for example, is more treatable
when caught early through the detection of cancerous cells of the cervix found during a pap
smear. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” as symptoms may not show up
until is advanced and harder to treat. Detecting these conditions prior to their advancing allows
for intervention that can save lives. Preventative care during these exams can include
screenings, vaccinations, and discussion of medical history and lifestyle that can impact
reproductive health. The HPV vaccine is a common preventative measure as it protects women
from the human papillomavirus, which has been linked to cervical cancer. Mammograms are
other common preventative screening that detects lumps or changes to the breast, which can
indicate breast cancer.
Empowerment and Education
A gynecological exam provides someone with the opportunity to learn about their body and the
best way to care for it. Common educational tools include how to perform self-breast exams and
understanding what signs can indicate reproductive health issues. Education can also help with
making informed decisions about contraception and family planning. This is important because
when someone is familiar with their health, abnormal symptoms will likely prompt them to seek
medical advice sooner, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Resources
Bialy A, Kondagari L, Wray AA. Gynecologic Pelvic Examination. [Updated 2024 Feb 25]. In:
StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534223/
Long WN. Pelvic Examination. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The
History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990.
Chapter 177. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK286/
Pelvic Exam and Menopause: How Often, What Tests Are Done, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved
August 18, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-pelvic-exam
The Utility of and Indications for Routine Pelvic Examination. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2024,
from
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/the-utility-of-a
nd-indications-for-routine-pelvic-examination
The Utility of and Indications for Routine Pelvic Examination. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2024,
from
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/the-utility-of-a
nd-indications-for-routine-pelvic-examination
