What Happens at the Gynecologist?
Arrival for a Visit
At first, a visit to the gynecologist is just like a visit to any other doctor. The woman arrives and checks in for her appointment. She'll sign in and present her insurance information to the bookkeeper, and will take a seat in the waiting room. If she's a first-time patient, she'll also receive a form to fill out about family health history.
Prep Work
After a while, a nurse comes and escorts the woman into a medical office. Depending on the patient, the nurse will ask for a urine sample and may also take some blood. The blood sample is used for STD and cholesterol testing; sometimes, the office can give results by the end of the visit. For women of childbearing age, the urine sample can show pregnancy. In all women, urine may show yeast infection, bowel maladies and other signs of illness.
The nurse gives the patient a paper robe for the doctor's visit. After changing, the patient is weighed, and blood pressure is tested. There may also be a short question-and-answer session regarding past ailments or reasons for the present visit. The nurse then leaves and updates the doctor on what to expect.
The Doctor's Visit
When the doctor enters, she asks follow-up questions and prepares her equipment for the pelvic exam. It's now time to get into position--bottom at the very edge of the table, legs spread apart, feet in stirrups. Before starting the pelvic exam, there's a quick check of breast tissue for lumps and irregularities that can signal cancer development.
During the pelvic exam, the doctor inserts a plastic or metal device called a speculum into the vaginal passage. This tool opens the vagina so that the doctor can take swabs for pap smear testing, and also allows a good view of vaginal tissue. Using a speculum lets the gynecologist see if there are growths or cysts on the cervix that need investigating. The speculum is removed, and the gynecologist follows up with a quick two-finger insertion to feel the vaginal wall for any hidden lumps or growths. Finally, the doctor ends with a rectal examination, consisting of one finger in the anal cavity to survey for growths.
The End
At the end, the nurse comes in and tells the patient when to expect a follow-up phone call explaining any questionable test results. The office may also dispense samples or prescriptions for birth control or other drugs. Often, the nurse has completed STD and blood tests, and can give a report of the results.
Tags: pelvic exam, Happens Gynecologist, nurse comes, urine sample, What Happens
