Women's Healths

Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears are vital components of women's health. These exams can give you early indications of any abnormalities in your reproductive organs. It is better to catch any disease in its early stages, when it may be easier to treat.

Self-exams will help you better understand your own body and what is normal for you. Periodically examine your entire genital area for any sores, warts, red swollen areas, or unusual discharge. A normal vaginal discharge may be white to yellowish white and smell slightly like vinegar. It can be either thick or thin and present in large or small amounts; every woman is different. During ovulation (the midpoint between periods), there is often a large amount of clear, slippery mucus. If your discharge seems unusual in amount, smell, or texture, see Vaginitis on See Vaginitis.

There should be no pain or straining when you urinate, and the urine should come out in a fairly steady stream. The urine should be pale yellow, and it should not have a strong ammonia smell. If you experience pain or burning when you urinate, see Urinary Tract Infections on See Urinary Tract Infections or Vaginitis on See Vaginitis. If you have problems with bladder control, see Urinary Incontinence on See Urinary Incontinence.

A pelvic exam given by a health professional will generally consist of an external genital exam, a Pap test, and a manual exam.

The Pap test is the screening exam for cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). The Pap test detects 90 to 95 percent of cervical cancers, making it a reliable and important test. To do the test, your health professional will insert an instrument (speculum) into your vagina to spread apart the vaginal walls. Then, using a cotton swab, small brush, or wooden spatula, your health professional will gather several samples of cells from your cervix. The cells are put on a slide

Female pelvic organs

If your Pap test results are abnormal, you will be asked to return for more testing. You may have another Pap test, or your doctor may try to find the area in your cervix that contains abnormal cells using a special magnifying device (colposcopy).

To do a manual exam, your health professional will insert 2 gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina and press on your lower abdomen with his or her other hand to feel for any abnormalities in the shape or size of your ovaries and uterus.

It is recommended that you have your first Pap test when you become sexually active. After that, Pap tests are recommended every 1 to 3 years, depending on your risk factors. You may not need annual Pap tests if:

• You have had several normal Pap smears in a row (done annually).

• You have only 1 sex partner.

• You don't have other risk factors for cervical cancer (for example, a personal or family history of cervical or uterine cancer or a personal history of a sexually transmitted disease such as genital warts).

• You have had a hysterectomy for a reason other than cancer.

  If you have risk factors for cervical cancer or a history of abnormal Pap tests, it is recommended that you have a Pap test each year. Discuss the best schedule for Pap tests for you with your doctor.

  Arrange to have the test 1 to 2 weeks after your period ends. Do not douche, have sexual intercourse, or use feminine hygiene products for at least 24 hours before a Pap test, because doing any of these things can alter the test results.

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