A vaginal examination may seem intimidating—especially if it’s for the first time. But, they’re necessary for a healthy and happy vagina. It’s completely normal to be uneasy about something when you don’t know what to expect; we take the time to ensure you are comfortable and understand the process. Their role is to assess or diagnose certain gynaecological conditions to manage vaginal health.
Regular pap tests with follow-up for abnormal changes can prevent most cancer of the cervix. Coupled with the Comprehensive Health Assessment, we’ll make sure your overall health is in check.
Pap tests
- Assessment: Pap tests are done to find changes on your cervix. Sometimes these abnormal changes can become pre-cancerous, so pap tests help find potential concerns before they have a chance to develop further. During this test, cells are taken from your cervix and sent to a lab for assessment, where in most cases, the cells are normal.
- Process: You’ll lie down on the exam table with your knees bent and feet resting, allowing your knees to fall away from each other. A tool called a speculum is used to open the vagina and examine the cervix. You may feel a little discomfort, but you shouldn’t feel pain. A small, brush-like device is used to collect the cells from the cervix which are then sent to the lab to be looked at.
HPV tests
- Assessment: HPV is a very common virus—some doctors even think it’s almost as common as the cold virus. Most men and women who’ve had sexual contact get at least one type of genital HPV at some point in there lives; but for the majority of people, the body actually clears the infection on its own. Sometimes though, the infection doesn’t go away, and in this case it can cause cancer over time which is why getting tested is a great idea.
- Process: Because the procedure’s the same, an HPV test can be done at the same time as a pap test. The difference between the two is that instead of looking for cell changes, the HPV test is checking for the virus to be present. A pap test plus an HPV test is the preferred way to find early cervical cancer. I also recommend the EVEKIT, which allows you to do a self-assessment for HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Vaginal swabs
- Assessment: Vaginal swab tests are also known as a Vaginitis test. Vaginitis isn’t exactly one specific term, but essentially represents a variety of disorders that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina. Causes of vaginitis can include bacteria, yeast infections or viruses. This swab test helps your doctor diagnose vaginal infections that could be causing vaginitis.
- Process: You’ll lie down on the exam table, the speculum in inserted into the vagina to help see the area. Then with a sterile, moist cotton swab, a sample of your vaginal discharge is gathered. Again, while you may feel discomfort, there should be no pain. This swab will be sent to the lab and examined for infection.
3-part vaginal exams
External Exam
This is when your healthcare provider will take a look at the area outside of your vagina, including your clitoris, labia, vaginal opening and anus.
Speculum Exam
This is the part when the speculum instrument is gently placed into your vagina to open your vaginal canal so that your healthcare provider can see your cervix. They’ll take a thin plastic stick with a tiny brush and gently wipe away some of the cells from your cervix (the Pap test). As well, a sample will be taken of your vaginal discharge for further tests looking for infections such as HPV and sexually transmitted infections.
Bi-manual Exam
The last part of the exam assesses the internal structures (ovaries, uterus and pelvic floor muscles). Two gloved fingers are inserted into your vagina and a gentle pressure is applied to the lower part of your belly. The internal exam can also assess the tone and strength of the pelvic floor.
I have additional training in pelvic floor assessment and treatment having completed the following courses through leading experts in pelvic floor physiotherapy, Pelvic Health Solutions:
Level I: The Physiotherapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence
Level II: The Physiotherapy Approach to Female and Male Pelvic Pain
Menopause: An Integrative Approach to Pelvic Floor Health
