WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 2000: Re: anal exam

Re: anal exam

From: D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 10 Jan 2000 16:56:21 -0600 (CST)

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At Mon, 10 Jan 2000, tessa wrote: >
>i have to go have my first annual axam next week.

I am glad you are going to have an annual examination, as this is an important part of staying healthy. This exam consists of meeting your health care provider, answering any questions about your medical and family history, and undergoing what should be a gentle exam. Usually this consists of a breast exam, abdominal exam, and gynecologic exam. The gyn exam consists of a Pap smear, using a very small speculum to look inside the vagina, and an internal exam with 1-2 fingers in the vagina. Unless a patient complains of pelvic pain or has rectal complaints, there should be no reason to do a routine rectal exam on someone your age. Some doctors (and nurse practitioners) were trained to do routine rectal exam on all patients, but I sincerely doubt that this is helpful. Women over 40 (some say 50) should probably have this to look for colon cancer, although some even question this (I usually do these for women over 40). For your information, the rectal exam consists of using one lubricated finger to gently enter the anus to feel for any problems in the colon. It is not comfortable, but it should not hurt.

Best wishes,

--
David Ashley Hill, MD
Associate Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

My apologies, but due to time constraints I am unable to answer private e-mails.

Next message: Cindy: "Re: IUD & Breastfeeding"
Previous message: AMD: "Doctor touching breasts during exam"
In reply to: tessa: "anal exam"
Next in thread: D.: "Re: Managed Care can be a pain -- Part 2"
Reply: D.: "Re: Managed Care can be a pain -- Part 2"

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