Preventative Care for Women — Pelvic Exams
Dr. Keith Reisler, a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, delivers a high standard of women’s healthcare at his private clinic in Plano, TX. Among his many healthcare services, Keith Reisler, MD, conducts annual pelvic exams.
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One reason women visit OB-GYNs is to receive an annual pelvic exam, during which doctors assess the health of tissues like the ovaries and uterus. Doctors may carry out pelvic exams to find evidence of vaginal infections, growths like fibroids, or to locate the source of abnormal bleeding.
The exam begins when a healthcare professional visually examines the pelvic area for problems. Following that, doctors use a tool called a speculum in order to access the cervix. At this point, doctors may swab the cervix to collect a sample for use in routine Pap smear cancer screenings.
The exam also may involve a healthcare provider inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the vagina or anus to carefully feel for tumors or enlarged organs.
A day prior to the exam, women should not use hygiene products like douches or vaginal sprays. When experiencing vaginal discharge, patients should also avoid sex in the lead-up to a pelvic exam.
