So I've read they do a "anal vaginal exam" where they put one finger in each hole. Has any experienced this when they went to the gyn? Do they always do that? Is it uncomfortable? Painful? Embarassing? How long does that part of the exam last?
2006-10-18 20:29:15 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
Often times the maneuvers physician perform are mystifying and appear random. There is however rationale that can be used to explain if such procedures are appropiate or diagnostic.
When a finger is inserted into both vagina and rectum at the same time it is called a Recto-Vaginal Exam.
The diagnostic function is as follows:
1) Evaluates for rectal physiology (hemorroids etc) but this is not usually necessary.
2) In examiners with short fingers, it rotates the ovaries for better palpation (some female MDs with short fingers do this on all their patients)
3) It checks for tumors in the posterior vagina and because it rotates ovaries lets you feel posterior. It is used a standard part of the exam for most GYN ONC doctors or general GYNs that trained in GYN ONC. Since young women presenting for abdominal pain and symptoms are at risk for ovarian tumors/cysts, many MD will do this exam to feel the ovaries. Posterior tumors can be completely missed thru a std exam.
4) It is part of the standard URO GYN exam for older women with incontinence or rectal/vaginal pain with bowel movements as it evaluates for a condition called enteroceole.
5) In emergency presentations, some women present with lower abdominal pain. A painful vaginal exam suggests STD/GYN causes and a painful rectal exam suggests appendicitis (although CT imaging has changed this thought process).
6) It is a method to check for rectal blood.
In a recent large center study, this exam was evaluated. The study concluded that the exam is excellent for pts with symptoms (bleeding, rectal pain, etc) but is of little value in 18-28 yo females present only for routine GYN care without symptoms. (the only signifigant finding was hemorroids in 2% of the women).
I know this is a little off topic but I felt it was relevant. Thx.
2006-10-18 20:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by Drdrew 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't hurt just a little umcomfortable and embarassing. I didn't know they did it until my first exam. Boy was i surprised. They have to do it though to make sure all is well there. You will just feel some pressure unless they have a huge finger...lol. That part of the exam is over within 5 seconds although it can seem like an eternity if you are a modest person like myself. At any rate, don't worry about it and relax, you'll be fine. I hope your visit goes well.
2006-10-19 03:33:51 · answer #2 · answered by amandaped25 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget about being embarrassed or uncomfortable. It goes quickly and usually is done with dignity to the patient. These exams are vital for a women's health. They are checking for growths or lumps that could be possibly the early signs of cancer that they can treat and cure. . .so do the exam if offered. . .depending on your age they may not do the anal until later. . .it also depends on the doctor. But just be aware that everything they do during your OBGYN appointment is for a reason and that reason is to keep you healthy for the rest of your years on this earth. Good luck and Goddess Bless!
2006-10-19 03:48:34 · answer #3 · answered by In God's Image 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had this done twice before and it was always with a female gyn (I am a little older and grew up with predominantly male doctors for everything). Anyway, it is a little uncomfortable but very quick, just a matter of seconds. I am not sure but I think that they are checking for thinning or possible herniations of the vaginal wall.
Hopefully you will have a gyn that will warn you ahead of time. The first time that somebody did that to me, they did not tell me and I sat straight up and asked her very loudly what the heck was she doing!!! She apologized, she was an Air Force doc and that apparently was the norm for them, but I was in the Navy and never was checked there my whole time in.
2006-10-19 03:38:19 · answer #4 · answered by Barefoot Chick 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi
Using fingers in the vagina the Doctor can feel for your ovaries and cervix. If they palpate your lower tummy at the same time they can also feel the uterus to ensure it is the right size etc.
When they insert a finger in your anus it is to check the colon, plus to check that the wall between the vagina and anus is intact without any tears or weakness (especially after childbirth).
I haven't heard of a doctor performing the two at the same time, they are usually done one after the other, always with lube and ALWAYS with your consent.
Most important, the doctor should be happy to explain in simple language what they are going to do and why. If a doctor is not happy to do this - find yourself another doctor.
Hope this helps
2006-10-19 03:36:41 · answer #5 · answered by peneth2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have had it done. you can request it not be done. if you are not in the habit of having anal sex then this part of the exam is not needed. that is what my doctor told me before she did the exam. no anal no exam.
2006-10-19 03:35:51 · answer #6 · answered by short_one555 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have NEVER had anything anal during a vaginal exam....thats new to me,
2006-10-19 03:31:13 · answer #7 · answered by jakkibluu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dr. does that exam once a year and her gloved finger is lubed and its over really fast....don't worry just relax and breathe....
2006-10-19 03:49:29 · answer #8 · answered by kamsmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they always do n they have to do it n they use lube. its over b4 you know it. albeit uncomfortable, its necissary to check yr colon. id be worried if they didnt.
2006-10-19 03:32:06 · answer #9 · answered by Rayknee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they've never stuck anything in my rectum before. they do that to guys but not females as far as i know.
2006-10-19 04:24:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋