Author: Zhu Yunshan (Beijing Tsinghua Changgeng Hospital)
1. What is a routine gynecological examination?
A routine gynecological examination, also known as a pelvic examination, is a physical examination of a woman's internal and external genitalia.
During the examination, the doctor will not only observe the condition of the vulva, but also examine the vagina, cervix and uterus of the woman who has sex, and will take some secretions for testing.
Vaginal speculum examination or bicommunal examination is strictly prohibited in patients with no asexual life history, and rectal-abdominal examination should be done. This is very important!
Through detailed and comprehensive routine gynecological examinations, doctors can have a deeper understanding of female reproductive organs, so as to assess the state of the body, timely detection of problems and provide treatment.
It also enables you to better understand your physical health.
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2. How is routine gynecological examination done?
1. First of all, the doctor will generally give you a vulvar examination, including:
Observe vulvar development, pubic hair distribution and growth;
Observe changes such as ulcers, vegetations or hypopigmentation in the labia majora, labia minora and perineum;
Observe the length of the clitoris, the color of the mucous membrane around the urethral orifice, and the growth of vegetations;
Observe whether the hymen is intact;
Observe for stale lateral incisional scars on the perineum;
If necessary, the doctor will ask you to hold your breath downwards and observe whether there is a bulge in the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina, uterine prolapse, or urinary incontinence.
2. Secondly, the following tests are required for women who have sex:
Vaginal speculum examination while retaining vaginal discharge:
After the speculum opens the vagina, observe the color and luster of the vaginal mucosa, whether there are ulcers, cysts, and congenital deformities such as vaginal mediastinum and double vagina;
Observe the amount, color, and odor of vaginal discharge;
When examining the vagina, the doctor will rotate the speculum while examining the four walls and domes of the vagina to avoid missing the diagnosis due to the covering of the two lobes of the vaginal speculum.
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3. Subsequently, check the cervical situation and observe the size, color, and shape of the external mouth of the cervix (the doctor will pay attention to see if you have columnar epithelial exorcism, cystic adenoma, polyps, etc.).
Cervical secretion specimens are also collected for cervical cytology. The check methods are:
Double consultation: that is, the examiner puts two fingers of one hand into the vagina, and the other hand cooperates with the abdomen, the purpose of which is mainly to clear the vagina, cervix, uterine body, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterine ligaments and parauterine tissues.
Know whether there is a mass of pelvic tissue source, as well as the size, shape, location, texture and range of motion of the uterus, as well as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Triad: combined abdominal, vaginal, and rectal examination. The general examiner enters the vagina with the index finger, the middle finger into the rectum, and the other hand in the abdomen in concert.
Understand the size of the reclining uterus; understand lesions in the posterior wall of the uterus, rectal uterine depression, or uterosacral ligament.
For women who do not have a sexual history, vaginal atresia, or other reasons that are not suitable for double consultation, doctors will perform a rectal-abdominal examination.
The examiner enters the rectum with his index finger and cooperates with the other hand in the abdomen. Learn about the pelvic organs.
Finally, the doctor will record and describe the above physical examination results separately.
3. Who needs a gynecological examination?
In general, for women who have had sex, especially women over 30 years old, even if there is no abnormality in the body, it is recommended to have a gynecological examination once a year.
Gynaecological examinations are very important for women. Because many common gynecological diseases do not have many signs.
Early examination and early detection are very important for the treatment timing of the disease, especially for the treatment of gynecological tumor patients.
*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.
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