Routine Gynecological Examination

A gynecological examination is a manual (by touch) and visual examination performed to determine whether there are any diseases in the pelvic organs of the female body. This examination is usually accompanied by a gynecological ultrasound. The pelvic organs examined during the examination are the organs located within the pelvic bones.
The following organs are examined during a gynecological examination:
Vulva (external genital organs)
Uterus (womb)
Cervix (opening of the uterus)
Ovaries (ovaries)
Bladder (urinary bladder)
It is recommended that you have a routine gynecological examination once a year, even if you have no complaints. It is very important for every woman between the ages of 18 and 65 who is sexually active to have a routine gynecological examination once a year for the early diagnosis and treatment of many gynecological diseases. Many diseases, such as ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted diseases, fibroids, and early-stage cancers, can be detected during routine checkups.

In addition to routine check-ups, you should consult your gynecologist without delay if you suspect pregnancy, experience abnormal uterine bleeding, burning during urination, vaginal discharge, infection, or pain in the pelvic area.

Since a Pap smear may be performed during the gynecological examination, it is advisable to schedule your appointment for a time after your menstrual period has ended, unless your doctor recommends a different timing. You should avoid using tampons, engaging in sexual intercourse, or applying any gels, foams, creams, or cleansing solutions to the vagina for 48 hours prior to the examination.

You may feel slight discomfort during the gynecological examination, but it is important to remember that you will not experience any pain. The examination takes approximately 10-15 minutes. After your doctor has discussed your complaints and medical history with you, you will be directed to a different room for the gynecological examination. Once you lie down on your back on the gynecological examination table, you are ready for the examination. The gynecological examination is performed manually (by feeling with the hands) and with the help of a speculum (a sterile, single-use instrument used to view the cervix and inside of the vagina). Finally, the examination concludes with an ultrasound evaluation of the gynecological organs. In necessary cases, it is completed with a rectal examination. It is very important for your doctor to inform you in advance about the procedures that will be performed during your gynecological examination and to keep you informed during the examination so that you can have a more comfortable and healthy examination process.

If you have never had sexual intercourse, your doctor will choose the appropriate examination method for you. In such cases, vaginal examination is not performed except in specific situations, and rectal examination or abdominal ultrasound is preferred.