It’s part and parcel of being a women that at some stage in your life you are going to have to have a pelvic examination or another procedure and your GP will either perform it or you will be redirected for a Gynaecology appointment at a hospital or clinic. Considering the vast amount of information we are exposed to in our daily life such as newspapers,television, magazines etc etc whether or not we like it we will probably have at some time been drawn to an article concerning stories or facts about such visits. Some of us take it in our stride, though for some just reading about what it entails is enough to send them into ‘melt down’ before there ever is a need for them to attend such an appointment.
If on the other hand you do not know what is involved in such an examination we have summarised briefly what might take place so you can then see how the Vagi-Wave can help you in preparation for such an appointment.
You may also be asked about :
- The first day of your last menstrual period
- Whether or not you are sexually active
- Whether or not you are using birth control
If you have any problems, such as problems with your periods, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain OR if you think you might be pregnant, be sure and let the nurse know. They will take your blood pressure and ask you to go to provide a urine sample. You will be shown into an examining room where you will be asked to change into a gown. You may also have a sheet to cover you while you are on the examining table.
You will meet the doctor, review your medical and reproductive history, and may have an exam (head, neck, breasts and abdomen) to check your general health. If you have any worries, concerns or questions for the doctor, this is a good time to talk about it.
You will be asked to lie down on the examining table and move your bottom to the end of the table. Your feet rest in a comfortable position with your knees bent and spread apart, the doctor may also check your vulvas (outer lips of the vagina).
Here is when the exam can become embarrassing and if not prepared your PC Muscles can take you by surprise and act to your detriment, where on occasions they can be such a problem that the examination can be impossible.
“What is That Thing That My Doctor Puts Inside of Me?”
A speculum helps your doctor look at your vagina and cervix. It is a slender instrument made of plastic or smooth metal which looks like a duck’s bill. It should not hurt when the doctor gently slides it into your vagina. If you do feel any discomfort, let your doctor know. It is very important that you relax the muscles around your vagina at this point, so the speculum can slide in easily. If you tense up your muscles or your PC Muscles start to spasm, your doctor may have to push to get the speculum in, which could be uncomfortable.
Relax, keep breathing and relax all of your muscles.
When the speculum is inside your vagina, your doctor can see the walls of your vagina and cervix. Cells will then be gently collected from the surface of your cervix during a Pap test. The sample is then sent to a lab where the cells are looked at under a microscope to make sure they are normal. Although most Pap smears are normal, early treatment of abnormal Pap smears can usually prevent serious diseases like cervical cancer.
Your doctor may also touch a Q-tip to your cervix to check for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or genital warts. Again, early detection and treatment of infections can usually prevent more serious diseases later on.
The speculum is then removed from your vagina. Your doctor will then put a gloved finger into your vagina and check the size, shape and position of your pelvic organs while gently pressing on your lower abdomen. A slippery lubricating jelly may be used. This is where you will feel pressure, but not pain. Again, concentrate on relaxing your muscles so your doctor can check that your uterus, tubes and ovaries are normal.
It may seem like forever but these examinations are done quite quickly.
Now with Vagi-Wave you will be amazed how better prepared and in control you become.