Question about gynecologist?

Question

Today I had an appointment with the gynecologist, and they didn't do a pelvic exam. Is this normal? It was my first visit to such a doctor, I am 18 years old and a virgin. They said a pap smear wasn't necessary because that was only if you were 21 years old or sexually active...which I am neither. I'm not planning on becoming sexually active, my period is normal, and I don't need birth control, is this why they didn't do a pelvic exam? They only did a breast exam, and showed me how to do them, and pressed down on my abdomen. Also they did all of the "normal" things, like blood pressure, etc

I was just wondering if this was normal, and when will I need a pelvic exam?

Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

I am a virgin and I have been getting pap smears and pelvic exams from the time I was 18 years old.

A primary care physician can often take care of the pelvic exam and pap smears of those who do not have gyn issues going on.

When I was 18 the guideline was that one either had the pap smear at 18 or when they became sexually active whichever came first. Just recently I read that one of the agencies that oversee Obstetrics and Gynecology say that a girl doesn't need a pap smear and pelvic exam until age 21 or whenever she becomes sexually active whichever comes first.

This recent change in guideline on when to do a pelvic exam and pap smear bothers me a lot because virgins can still get gyn problems. Even 18 year olds. Some girls start having gyn issues even younger than that.

As for the speculum (the thing that is shaped like the bill of a duck) they have a size specifically just for virgins so that the hymen can stay intact.

This was not something I was told about when I was 18 so ended up having my hymen broken by the speculum.

I would also check with your insurance plan to see when they say for drs to start doing a pelvic exam on a young woman.

Also, some drs still have a girl start getting the exams at 18 even in spite of the current guideline.

Answer 2

It's normal and probably a good practice. Unless you're having any "issues" there's really no reason to mess with what's already working.

18 is the recommended age to go because it is the legal age when you wouldn't need a parent's permission and when the doctor wouldn't worry about a lawsuit being slapped on for inappropriately touching a minor. Women aren't fully developed until their early 20s (around 21) so pelvic exams for a woman who is not sexually active and suffers from no other problems are not required.

You'll probably need one when you start having sex, want to go on birth control or when/if you have any problems in relation to those parts. I think 22 is the age they suggest you start having pelvic exams and pap smears but it really varies depending on your area and your doctor.

Answer 3

Hmm, I don't know. I went to the doctor and had a full exam. I wasn't sexually active when I first went. I did want to get on birth control though, to regulate myself. I never actually heard of them telling you a pap smear is not necessary until you're 21 and sexually active.

They are supposed to check for cancers and all that, (not just breast exams) and you don't just get that by having sex. So, I would be going to another doctor. It's better to get the whole thing and find out nothing's wrong with you, than find out later that there is.

Answer 4

I would think that the doctor didn't do a pelvic exam because of your age and you not being sexually active. You are slightly young to worry about having a pelvic exam. If all is going okay with your periods and your spoke to the doctor about that - that probably was enough at this time. Probably the best bet is to call your doctor and ask him/her.

Answer 5

I went fto a gyn for the first time when I was 19 and they told me the same thing. Since I wasn't sexually active or 21 yet, I didn't need a pelvic exam yet.

Answer 6

This is COMPLETELY accurate and what they should have done. When you have a pap smear, they put a crank type thing (I think they look like scissors) and open you up then they scrape your cervix with a wooden stick. If you are a virgin, that would pretty must burst your hymen and also would be painful!!! If your not having sex, you are not in the risk factor for the things a pap checks for. Teaching you to check your breats is critical. Pushing on your stomach was them feeling your ovaries. I'm sure you are perfectly healthy! I would not be concerned.

Answer 7

Huh, not sure. It seems to me that they should have done a full exam... I would prefer to go to a doctor that is 'overly thorough' as opposed to to less. Better to err on the side of caution right? Maybe call a clinic like Planned Parenthood and ask them over the phone.

Answer 8

I would think that they should have done a pelvic exam.
Only to check for any cancers, or yeasts. You don't have to be sexually active to get these. I would get a second opinion.

Answer 9

I guess what your gynea did was pretty routine based very much on your life style such as inactive sex, etc... No cause for alarm on the pevic examination.