GYNECOLOGY Helen B. Albano, MD, FPOGS Medical History • The

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

GYNECOLOGY Helen B. Albano, MD, FPOGS Medical History • The GYNECOLOGY Only one Helen B. Albano, MD, FPOGS Reason for admission Common gynecological complaints Medical History o Bleeding (vaginal) The quality of the medical care provided by the o Pain (specify: use 9 regions of abdomen) physician o Mass (abdominal or pelvic) Type of relationship between physician and the o Vaginal discharge patient o Urinary or GI symptoms Can be determined largely the depth of o o Protrusion out of the vagina gynecological history o Infertility Patient-Doctor Relationship o Complete history HPI (History of Present Illness) o Complete PE Refers to the chief complaint o Labs o Duration New Patient o Severity o Take Time o Precipitating factors . Obtain comprehensive history o Occurrence in relation to other events . Perform comprehensive PE . Menstrual cycle o Establish data base, along with DPR basd on . Voiding a good communication . Bowel movements Old Patient or the established patient History of similar symptoms Updates o Outcome of previous therapies . Gynecological changes Impact on the patient’s: . Pregnancy history o Quality of life . Additional surgery, accidents or new o Self-image medications o Relationship with the family (sexual history to husband) History Taking o Daily activities Overview o Most important part of gynecological Menstrual History evaluation Age of menarche o Provides tentative diagnosis (impression) Date of onset of menstrual periods before PE Duration and quantity (i.e. number of pads used per o LEGAL document . Subject to subpoena, may be day) of flow defended in court Degree of Discomfort Premenstrual symptoms General Data Cycle Name o Counted from the first day of menstrual flow Age of one cycle to the first day of menstrual Gravidity (G) flow of the next o State of being pregnant Range of normal is wide Normal range of ovulatory cycles Parity (P) o . Between 21 & 35 days o Outcome of pregnancy 28-day cycle represent the median cycle o FPAL (in digits) o . F = number of full term pregnancy o A recent change in the usual pattern maybe . P = number of preterm pregnancy a more reliable sign of a problem . A = Abortion Average menstrual blood loss . L = total number of living children o 30 ml (entire) o 10-80 ml (normal range) o Ex: G1P0 0001 Excessive menses LMP (Last Menstrual Period) o Need to frequently change saturated o Also take the first and last day of normal sanitary pads or tampons menstruation o Passage of many or large blood clots PNMP (Previous Normal Menstrual Period) Dysmenorrhea EDC/EDD and AOG – Expected Date of o Painful menstruation Confinement/Delivery o Discomfort or pain at the hypogastric area, o Nigella’s EDC often associated with backache 3 mos back + 7 + 1year ??? . o Common o AOG (wks of gestation) o Begins just before or soon after the onset of bleeding o Subsides by day 2 or 3 of flow Date and Time of Consultation/Admission o May be associated with systemic symptoms Chief Complaint Obstetric History Number of pregnancies Significant medical and surgical disorders that runs FPAL in the family Complications of previous pregnancies Heredofamilial diseases o Antepartum, intrapartum or postpartum Duration of labor Evaluation of the General Appearance Type of delivery General Impression o Place: hospital, house, hilot, TBA, physician o Level of consciousness Anesthesia used o Ambulatory Nutritional state Perinatal status of fetus o Presence of facial or excessive body hair o Birthweight o Vital signs o Early growth and development of children o including feeding habits, growth, overall Physical Examination (PE) well-being, current status (objective) History of Infertility Follows IPPA (with exception of certain organs) o Evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome Head and Neck Chest and Lungs Medical History Heart Allergies Breast Past and current medical and surgical problems Abdomen Previous hospitalizations Lower extremities o Reason, date, outcome Pelvic examination Vaccination o Type, date Gynecological Examination Pelvic Examination Surgical History o Most commonly performed medical Operative procedure procedure o Outcomes o Performed during the first visit o Complications o Patient should be encouraged to give o Surgical diagnosis feedback during PE to reduce anxiety o Pathologic diagnosis o Lithotomy position . Patient lying on her back with both Review of Systems (subjective) knees flexed Pulmonary . Buttocks are positioned at the edge Cardiovascular of the table Gastrointestinal . The feet are supported by stirrups Genital o The patient should empty her bladder just before the examination Urinary o Don’t combine, as in GU Pelvic Examination consist of: o Inspection Vascular . Visual inspection of the vulva Neurologic . Speculum examination – vagina and Endocrinologic cervix Immunologic o Palpation . Bimanual pelvic examination Breast Symptoms o Lithotomy position to allow adequate Masses exposure Galactorrhea o She should be comfortable and properly Pain draped Family history o Should not be painful except in: . Virgins and has not used tampons Social History for menstrual protection Marital status . In women with inflammatory o Number of years married processes o Period of infertility . Menopausic nulligravid Drug (causes abruption placenta), alcohol use, smoking Inspection of the Vulva Occupational History o The vulva should be examined for: o Exposure to radiation . General state of hygiene o Infectious agents . Growth of hair Sexual History . Regions of ulceration and rash o Partners, protection from STDs . Discoloration Emotional or sexual abuse . Labial abnormality . Excessive vaginal discharge Family History Lochia – discharged after . With gentle opening of the delivery speculum, the valves separate and . Evidence of perineal trauma from the cervix can be visualized previous deliveries . The blades should be inserted to . Evidence of rectal disease – their full length hemorrhoids . The cervix is inspected next . Bartholin’s and Skeene’s glands can . It should be pink, shiny and clear be inspected and palpated . Nulliparous – external os should be . Presence of ectovaginal fistula or round prolapsed . Parous – external os takes on a fishmouth appearance Guidelines in Daily Pelvic Examination With previous cervical Warning lacerations, healed stellate o The physician should prepare the patient for laceration may be found any pelvic examination by warning her in Inspection advance and examining fingers and o The cervix should be inspected for speculum . Color Important: . Erosion o Not only because the patient cannot see . Degree of discharge (leucorrhea – what is going on discharges other than blood) o But also because the area to be examined is . Evidence of trauma extremely sensitive, both psychologically . Presence of lesion and physically *Pap smear is encouraged if not done yet Inspection of the Vagina and Cervix Pap Smear Grave’s Speculum Major objectives: o Employed for visualization of the vagina and 1. sample exfoliated cells from the cervix endocervical canal o Bivalve 2. Scrape the transitional zone . Anterior valve shorter than the A collection of cells from the posterior fornix posterior valve (maturation index) Speculum Examination Techniques that should be remembered in speculum exam Bimanual Pelvic Exam . If for pap smear, the speculum After the speculum has been…. should be warmed, either by a It is helpful to place a stool at the base of the warming device or placing in warm examining table and support the examining arm and water, if and then it should be elbow during the examination lubricated o This support of the elbow allows greater . By spreading the labia and placing sensitivity in the examining fingers some tension on the posterior At the same time, a second dimension is added by fourchet, the speculum can be employing the other hand to pressure the abdomen gently inserted at an angle of about One hould rquire proficiency with the index and 45O to avoid the urethra middle fingers of one hand and then always use that Speculum insertion o hand for the vaginal examination as the: . Placing the tranverse diameter of 1. Vaginal hand (non-dominant hand) the blades in the anteroposterior 2. The other as an abdominal hand (dominant position and guding the blades hand) through the introitus in a downward motion with the tips pointing toward Palpation by Bimanual Examination the rectum Basically allows the physician to palpate the uterus . The anterior wall of the vagina is and the adnexa backed by the pubic symphysis, The lubricated index and middle fingers of the upward pressure causes patient dominant hand are placed within the vagina, and discomfort. the thumb is folded under . In the resting state, the vagina lies o So as not to cause the patient distress in the on the rectum and actually extends area of the mons pubis, clitoris and pubic to the rectum symphysis . The speculum should be turned so The fingers are inserted deeply into the vagina so that the transverse axis of the that they rest beneath the cervix in the posterior blades is in transverse axis of the fornix vagina . It should now lie inferior to the The physician should be in a comfortable position, cervix generally with the leg on the side of the vaginal examining hand on a table lift and the elbow of that arm resting on the knee. The opposite hand is in the patient’s abdomen o Color above the pubic symphysis Cervix The first palpable… is the cervix o Next is the anteriorly displaced uterus o The flat of the fingers are used for palpation o The
Recommended publications
  • Bates' Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking
    Lynn S. Bickley, MD, FACP Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine School of Medicine University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico Peter G. Szilagyi, MD, MPH Professor of Pediatrics Chief, Division of General Pediatrics University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York Acquisitions Editor: Elizabeth Nieginski/Susan Rhyner Product Manager: Annette Ferran Editorial Assistant: Ashley Fischer Design Coordinator: Joan Wendt Art Director, Illustration: Brett MacNaughton Manufacturing Coordinator: Karin Duffield Indexer: Angie Allen Prepress Vendor: Aptara, Inc. 7th Edition Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Copyright © 2009 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Copyright © 2007, 2004, 2000 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Copyright © 1995, 1991 by J. B. Lippincott Company. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including as photocopies or scanned-in or other electronic copies, or utilized by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the copyright owner, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Materials appear- ing in this book prepared by individuals as part of their official duties as U.S. government employees are not covered by the above-mentioned copyright. To request permission, please contact Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19103, via email at [email protected] or via website at lww.com (products and services). 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Printed in China Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bickley, Lynn S. Bates’ pocket guide to physical examination and history taking / Lynn S.
    [Show full text]
  • Asan Medical Center Comprehensive Health Evaluation Program
    Asan Medical Center Comprehensive Health Evaluation Program Fee (1,000 KRW) Fundamental check-up program • Gastroscopy with • Abdominal ultrasonography • Thyroid ultrasonography • Blood pressure • Chest X-ray (front,lateral) conscious sedation • Lumbar X-ray • Ophthalmic Exam • Audiometry test • Pulmonary function test • Body Measurement (front, lateral) • Bone mineral density • Dental assessment • Urine test • Stool test • Electrocardiogram Male Essential • Blood sampling (Diabetes, Hypercholesteremia, Liver function, Hepatitis A/B/C, Kidney function, Electrolyte, Uric Acid, 1,850 Complete Blood Count, Blood Coagulation Test, Blood type,Inflammation,Thyroid function) (3hours) • Cancer marker(liver, lung, digestive organ, prostate, ovary) • Infection (Sypilis, AIDS) • Helicobacter pylori Female • Result consultation with a specialist • CD Copy 1,950 Male • Carotid ultrasonography • Prostate ultrasonography • Digital rectal examination • Male hormone • Pelvic ultrasonography • Pelvic examination • Pap smear • HPV Female • Breast Ultrasonography • Mammogram • Female hormone Specialized check-up program with a cancer for early detection Male Specialized 2,550 Cancer Standard + • Abdominal & Pelvic CT • Chest CT • Colonoscopy with conscious sedation Female (5hours) Program 2,650 Specialized check-up program for detecting disease of cardiovascular system (Colonoscopy not included) Male Specialized 2,700 Heart Standard • Coronary CT • Fat measurement CT • Echocardiography • Treadmill test Female (4hours) Program + • Ankle-Brachical • Heart
    [Show full text]
  • ASCCP Clinical Practice Statement Evaluation of the Cervix in Patients with Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Published: February 7, 2017
    ASCCP Clinical Practice Statement Evaluation of the Cervix in Patients with Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Published: February 7, 2017 All women presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding should receive evaluation of the cervix and vagina, which should include at minimum visual inspection (speculum exam) and palpation (bimanual exam). If cervical or vaginal lesions are noted, appropriate tissue sampling is recommended, which can include Pap testing in addition to biopsy with or without colposcopy. These recommendations concur with those of ACOG Practice Bulletin #128 and Committee Opinion #557.1,2 The purpose of this article is to remind clinicians that Pap testing, as a form of tissue sampling, can be an important part of the workup of abnormal bleeding, and can be performed even if the patient is not due for her next screening test if there is clinical concern for cancer. Due to confusion amongst clinicians that has come to our attention, we wish to highlight the distinction between recommendations for diagnosis of cervical abnormalities including cancer amongst women with abnormal bleeding and recommendations for screening for cervical cancer amongst asymptomatic women. Screening guidelines recommend Pap testing at 3 year intervals for women ages 21-29, and Pap and HPV co-testing at 5 year intervals between the ages of 30-65 (with continued Pap testing at 3 year intervals as an option). These evidence- based guidelines are designed to maximize the detection of pre-cancer and minimize colposcopies. In addition, clinical practice guidelines no longer support routine pelvic examinations for cancer screening in asymptomatic women as this has not been shown to prevent cancer deaths.3,4,5 Consequently, physicians now perform fewer pelvic exams.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist for Pelvic Examination (To Be Completed by the Trainer)
    Checklist for Pelvic Examination (To be completed by the Trainer) Place a in case box if step/task is performed satisfactorily, and if it is not performed satisfactorily, or N/O if not observed. Satisfactory: Performs the step or task according to the standard procedure or guidelines Unsatisfactory: Unable to perform the step or task according to the standard procedure or guidelines Not Observed: Step or task or skill not performed by participant during evaluation by clinical trainer PARTICIPANT________________________ Date Observed___________ CHECKLIST FOR PELVIC EXAMINATION STEP/TASK CASES GETTING READY 1. Explain why the examination is being done and describe the steps in the examination. X X X X X 2. Ask the woman to empty her bladder and wash and rinse her abdominal and genital area. X X X X X 3. Check that the instruments and supplies are available. X X X X X 4. Ask the woman to undress and help her onto the examining table. X X X X X 5. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean, dry cloth or allow them to air dry. X X X X X LOWER ABDOMINAL AND GROIN EXAMINATION 1. Ask the woman to lie down on the examining table. X X X X X 2. Look at the abdomen for abnormal coloring, scars, stretch marks or rashes and lesions. X X X X X 3. Palpate all areas of the abdomen using a light pressure. Then, palpate the abdomen using a deeper pressure. X X X X X 1 4. Identify any tender areas and check for rebound tenderness.
    [Show full text]
  • NORTH – NANSON CLINICAL MANUAL “The Red Book”
    NORTH – NANSON CLINICAL MANUAL “The Red Book” 2017 8th Edition, updated (8.1) Medical Programme Directorate University of Auckland North – Nanson Clinical Manual 8th Edition (8.1), updated 2017 This edition first published 2014 Copyright © 2017 Medical Programme Directorate, University of Auckland ISBN 978-0-473-39194-2 PDF ISBN 978-0-473-39196-6 E Book ISBN 978-0-473-39195-9 PREFACE to the 8th Edition The North-Nanson clinical manual is an institution in the Auckland medical programme. The first edition was produced in 1968 by the then Professors of Medicine and Surgery, JDK North and EM Nanson. Since then students have diligently carried the pocket-sized ‘red book’ to help guide them through the uncertainty of the transition from classroom to clinical environment. Previous editions had input from many clinical academic staff; hence it came to signify the ‘Auckland’ way, with students well-advised to follow the approach described in clinical examinations. Some senior medical staff still hold onto their ‘red book’; worn down and dog-eared, but as a reminder that all clinicians need to master the basics of clinical medicine. The last substantive revision was in 2001 under the editorship of Professor David Richmond. The current medical curriculum is increasingly integrated, with basic clinical skills learned early, then applied in medical and surgical attachments throughout Years 3 and 4. Based on student and staff feedback, we appreciated the need for a pocket sized clinical manual that did not replace other clinical skills text books available. Attention focussed on making the information accessible to medical students during their first few years of clinical experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Asan Medical Center Comprehensive Health Evaluation Program
    Asan Medical Center Comprehensive Health Evaluation Program Fee (1,000 KRW) Fundamental check-up program • Gastroscopy with • Abdominal ultrasonography • Blood pressure • Electrocardiogram • Chest X-ray (front,lateral) conscious sedation • Ophthalmic Exam • Stool test • Audiometry test • Pulmonary function test • Body Measurement Male New • Dental assessment • Urine test • Result consultation with a specialist • CD Copy 1,750 Essential A • Blood sampling (Diabetes, Hypercholesteremia, Liver function, Hepatitis A/B/C, Kidney function, Electrolyte, Uric Acid, Complete Blood Count, Blood Coagulation Test, Blood type,Inflammation,Thyroid function, Helicobacter pylori, Infection(AIDS)) Female (Below age 40) • Cancer marker(liver, lung, digestive organ, prostate, ovary) 1,960 Male • Carotid ultrasonography • Colonoscopy under conscious sedation • Pelvic ultrasonography • Mammography • Breast Ultrasonography • Pelvic Examination Female • Pap Samear • Pelvic Ultrasonography • HPV(Human Papiloma virus) Male New Fundamental check-up program 2,010 Essential B • Chest CT(Male) • Colonoscopy under • Vitamin D conscious sedation Female (Above age 40) • Bone densitometry • T-L spine X-ray 2,260 Specialized check-up program with a cancer for early detection Male Cancer New 2,630 Specialized Essential • Abdominal & Pelvic CT • Prostate Ultrasonography(Male) • Thyroid Ultrasonography(Male) + Female (5hours) Program • Chest CT(Female) B 2,640 Specialized check-up program for detecting disease of cardiovascular system Male Heart (Colonoscopy, Chest CT not
    [Show full text]
  • PELVIC EXAMINATION Checklist PELVIC EXAMINATION Checklist
    Pelvic cue card checklist.qxd 4/10/2008 12:42 PM Page 1 PELVIC EXAMINATION Checklist PELVIC EXAMINATION Checklist Bimanual Rectovaginal Examination: Preparation: Check all materials and equipment Reglove and apply lubricant to index and Wash hands in the presence of the patient middle fingers Position patient: Alert patient that the rectovaginal exam will offer pillow begin raise table back drape appropriately Place middle finger on anus and ask patient place patient's feet in foot rests to bear down have patient move buttocks to end of table Adjust the light and drape Insert middle finger into rectum and index finger into vagina Put on gloves Explain in advance each step of the examination Repeat the palpation and characterization of and warn patient when you begin the cervix, and other structures from this position External Examination: Sweep posterior pelvic wall with rectal finger Inspect and palpate the mons pubis, labia majora and perineum Palpate rectovaginal septum between fingers Separate the labia and inspect: labia minora Remove fingers smoothly clitoris urethral meatus Help patient assume sitting position vaginal opening Skene's glands Bartholin's glands Inspect the anus Ask patient to bear down to assess for cystocele/ rectocele if indicated Pelvic cue card checklist.qxd 4/10/2008 12:42 PM Page 2 PELVIC EXAMINATION Checklist PELVIC EXAMINATION Checklist Speculum Examination and Pap Test: Bimanual Pelvic Examination: Alert patient that speculum examination is about Apply lubricant to index and
    [Show full text]
  • Pelvic Examination
    655 West 12th Ave Clinical Prevention Services Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4 Provincial STI Services Tel 604.707.2400 604.707.5600 Fax 604.707.2441 604.707.5604 www.bccdc.ca www.SmartSexResource.com PHSA-BCCDC Non-Certified Practice Decision Support Tool Pelvic Examination PELVIC EXAMINATION Decision support tools (DSTs) are evidence–based documents used to guide the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of client-specific clinical problems or conditions. When DSTs are used to guide practice, they are implemented in conjunction with clinical judgment, available evidence, and consultation with the health care team as required. Decision making occurs in a client centred manner, where nurses support client autonomy. Pelvic examination (exam) is not within RN scope of practice for clients who: • are less than 14 years of age. • are pregnant. • have undergone upper instrumentation (e.g. gynecological procedure such as therapeutic abortion) in the previous two weeks. Referral to a physician or nurse practitioner (NP) is required if pelvic exam is indicated for clients listed above. When indicated, low barrier screening (e.g. for sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) can be offered. CRNBC SCOPE OF PRACTICE Registered nurses (RNs) who carry out a pelvic exam or cervical cancer screening must possess the competencies established by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and follow this decision support tool established by PHSA. INDICATIONS FOR PELVIC EXAMINATION • To collect specimens for cervical cancer screening • To clinically assess and collect
    [Show full text]
  • CSI Study Guide-Female and Male Exams
    Guide for Skill Station Female & Male Exams 2020 1. Overview Students will have the opportunity to perform female and male GU exams using both mannequins and standardized patients. The female standardized patient GU exam will include the external genitalia and pelvic exam, including use of a speculum; Male GU exam will include hernia and external genitalia/testicular examination. Practice session using mannequin will include evaluation of the prostate. Also refer to the Female and Male Exam – Factsheet 2019 for additional simulation lab session instructions 2. Goal of the Procedure Accurately perform female and male GU exams using proper techniques and logical sequence, while providing for patient comfort and modesty. 3. Reference(s) Jarvis, C. (2016). Physical Examination and Health Assessment. (7th ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. 4. Required Reading / Review Begin by reviewing the materials from 609a Health Assessment: a. Panoptos: Week 11 Male Genitourinary System: Anus, Rectum, Prostate: Male Genital Exam Week 12 Female Genital exam b. Jarvis, C. (2016). Physical Examination and Health Assessment. Pocket Guide (7th ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. Use above link, then use your UA Net ID Credentials to sign into the library, then click view full text, navigate to below chapters • Chapter 17 Male Genitourinary System pp 225-236; 12 pages • Chapter 18 Female Genitourinary System pp 237-252; 16 pages • Chapter 19 Anus, Rectum, and Prostate pp 253-260; 8 pages 5. Required Procedure Competencies Professionalism 1. Present/on time 2. Prepared (readings, etc.) 3. Engaged and participated 4. Respectful of others Communication skills 1. Obtain name and age of the patient and relationship of others if present 2.
    [Show full text]
  • ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2018 (October 1, 2017 - September 30, 2018)
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2018 (October 1, 2017 - September 30, 2018) Narrative changes appear in bold text Items underlined have been moved within the guidelines since the FY 2017 version Italics are used to indicate revisions to heading changes The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), two departments within the U.S. Federal Government’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provide the following guidelines for coding and reporting using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM). These guidelines should be used as a companion document to the official version of the ICD-10- CM as published on the NCHS website. The ICD-10-CM is a morbidity classification published by the United States for classifying diagnoses and reason for visits in all health care settings. The ICD-10-CM is based on the ICD-10, the statistical classification of disease published by the World Health Organization (WHO). These guidelines have been approved by the four organizations that make up the Cooperating Parties for the ICD-10-CM: the American Hospital Association (AHA), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), CMS, and NCHS. These guidelines are a set of rules that have been developed to accompany and complement the official conventions and instructions provided within the ICD-10-CM itself. The instructions and conventions of the classification take precedence over guidelines. These guidelines are based on the coding and sequencing instructions in the Tabular List and Alphabetic Index of ICD-10-CM, but provide additional instruction.
    [Show full text]
  • What Is a Pelvic Exam? a Pelvic Examination Is Looking at and Feeling the Size and Shape of the External and Internal Reproductive Organs
    What is a pelvic exam? A pelvic examination is looking at and feeling the size and shape of the external and internal reproductive organs. These include the vulva (outside) and vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (inside). Why do I need one? The exam helps to make sure that your reproductive organs are healthy. If also helps your health care provider detect medical conditions (such as infections or abnormal Pap smears) that could become serious if not treated. Many clinicians recommend that you have your first pelvic exam when you become sexually active or reach the age of 18 years. Will it hurt? The pelvic examination will not hurt. Many women describe the experience as a sensation of crowding or fullness in the vagina; however, there should be no pain. Sometimes a woman will feel discomfort, especially if she is tense. I feel scared to have one. Do other women feel this way? It is normal to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even scared. Many women complain that the most objectionable part of the exam is that it feels undignified to have to expose one’s genitals to a stranger. You may be less embarrassed if you remember your clinician is highly trained and has probably performed hundreds or thousands of exams. The exam is not an emotional or sexual experience for the clinician. It is okay to have someone with you, such as your mother or close girlfriend. Do I have to take off all my clothes? Ordinarily, yes. You will be given a gown and asked to remove your clothes, including your bra and panties.
    [Show full text]
  • Pelvic Examination Is Unnecessary in Pregnant Patients with a Normal
    American Journal of Emergency Medicine (2010) 28, 213–216 www.elsevier.com/locate/ajem Brief Report Pelvic examination is unnecessary in pregnant patients with a normal bedside ultrasound Amanda Seymour PA-Ca,b, Heather Abebe PA-Ca, Dan Pavlik PA-Ca, Alfred Sacchetti MDa,c,⁎ aDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ 08103, USA bArcadia University, Christiana, DE 19713, USA cThomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA Received 23 September 2008; revised 14 October 2008; accepted 14 October 2008 Abstract Objective: This study examines the necessity of a formal pelvic examination in patients with early pregnancy-related complaints and an intrauterine pregnancy on bedside ultrasound (US). Methods: Data were prospectively collected on emergency department (ED) patients presenting with early pregnancy complaints and bedside US evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. All patients received a formal pelvic examination with cervical testing for sexually transmitted pathogens. Disposition decisions based on pelvic examination findings were compared with disposition decisions based on ultrasound findings alone. Results: Over a 13-month period, 50 patients entered the study. Mean estimated gestational age was 8.6 (±0.4) weeks. Abnormal speculum examination findings included vaginal blood (19 [38%]) and cervical discharge (3 [6%]). Abnormal bimanual findings included adnexal tenderness (6 [12%]) and uterine tenderness (4 [8%]). One patient (2.5%) had a positive antigen test for Chlamydia trachomatis. Emergency department diagnoses were threatened abortion (30 [60%]), intrauterine pregnancy (11 [22]), abdominal pain (8 [16%]), and ovarian cyst (1 [2%]). Three patients (6%) had incidental urinary tract infections. All patients were discharged from the ED.
    [Show full text]