A gynecologist is not able to tell if you’re sexually active from looking at your vagina or pelvic area. However, they can ask about your sexual history, which can help them determine your risks of pregnancy and STIs.
Being open with your gynecologist allows them to test you for STIs and provide important advice about birth control methods. They can also recommend lubricants and other options that will improve sexual pleasure.
What can a gynecologist do?
During a pelvic exam, gynecologists can check for things like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, which can be symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. They can also test for STIs, including herpes, HIV, and chlamydia. If a patient is sexually active, gynecologists can also recommend STI screenings and birth control options.
Gynecologists can also perform a manual examination of the hymen, which is the small flap of tissue that sits between the vaginal opening and the urethra. This can be painful and is one way that gynecologists can tell if a woman is sexually active. However, the hymen can rupture without sexual activity, so a gynecologist cannot confirm a woman is sexually active just by performing an internal exam.
It’s important for teens and young adults to talk openly with their gynecologists about sex, periods, and other reproductive health issues. While it can be awkward and uncomfortable for some people, it’s vital to discuss these topics so a gynecologist can provide proper care and screenings.
It’s often recommended that girls and teens start seeing a gynecologist when they begin menstruating, or at least by age 15. While it can be uncomfortable to discuss these topics with parents or guardians, it’s important to prioritize your health and seek medical advice when needed.
Pap smears
Pap smears are a test that detect cancerous or precancerous cells on the cervix. They can help prevent cervical cancer from developing, as well as identify other problems like abnormal cells or infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).
To perform a Pap smear, a woman removes her clothes below the waist and lies on a table. Her feet are placed in stirrups to keep the pelvic area open, and a health care professional uses a plastic or metal tool called a speculum to expand the vagina. A brush then reaches down to collect cell samples from the cervix. The sample is swabbed and sent to the lab to be tested. A gynecologist can also use a swab to check for HPV, if necessary.
It is recommended that women — and people assigned female at birth* — get their first Pap smear at age 21. They should then get one every three years, or as often as recommended by their doctor or nurse.
It is important to avoid sexual activity before a Pap smear, including oral sex and penetrative masturbation. This is because sex can cause inflammation or irritation on the cervix that could result in an abnormal test. However, if a person wants to have sex before their Pap test, they should make sure to use a barrier method like a condom to protect against infection and possible irregularities in the results.
Pelvic exams
A gynecologist can examine a person’s pelvic area for signs of cancer, infection and other issues. They also conduct regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections and give advice about birth control options. A person should always visit a qualified gynecologist, whether they are sexually active or not. A gynecologist is a medical professional and is required to keep their patient’s information confidential.
The doctor will start by doing an external visual exam of the vulva, looking for any irritation or sores. They will then insert a lubricated speculum into the vagina to open it and make it easier for them to see inside. They may then do a Pap smear, which involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities.
During this exam, the doctor may ask about a woman’s recent sexual activity. This can be embarrassing, but it’s important to be honest. A gynecologist can’t tell if a person is sexually active unless they find residual traces of semen in the vagina. This is only possible if a woman has a hymen, which can rupture for many reasons. Being honest about sex can help the doctor recommend STI testing and discuss different methods of birth control. They can also advise a person on how to practice safe sex and how to deal with problems like low libido.
STI testing
Most doctors don’t test for STIs during routine checkups, so it’s important to ask. If you’re concerned about symptoms, make an appointment with a specialist or find a sexual health clinic in your area. There are also a range of home testing kits available. These can be a great option for young people, as they can be discreet and anonymous. If you get a positive result, it’s important to inform your recent partners. Some STIs like chlamydia may not cause any noticeable symptoms, so it’s easy to pass the infection on without knowing it.
STIs are serious and can lead to a range of problems, including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. They can also be life-threatening if left untreated. Many STIs can be tested for with a simple swab from the mouth or anal canal, or a sample of fluid from a skin sore or discharge. Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics, but some can’t be cured and require long-term treatment. It’s a good idea for everyone to be regularly screened for STIs, particularly those at higher risk. Your doctor can advise you on a screening schedule, based on your age and medical history. You can also use the healthdirect SERVICE FINDER tool to find a sexual health service near you.
See Also:
