WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 2000: Re: pelvic exam after hysterectomy

Re: pelvic exam after hysterectomy

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 11 Nov 2000 01:21:34 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Ann: "pelvic exam after hysterectomy"
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Reply: Ann: "Re: pelvic exam after hysterectomy"

At Fri, 10 Nov 2000, Ann wrote: >
>I had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy (2 years ago). I have not had a
>pelvic exam since. I take Premarin daily. I am 40 years old and a
>nurse, and fairly savvy about my own health. My doctor now wants me to
>come in for a breast/pelvic exam before he will prescribe any further
>Premarin. I don't have a problem with the breast exam, although I feel
>I probably do at least as good an exam on my own as he does. The pelvic
>exam, however, REALLY bothers me. What is the point? There's nothing
>left to examine. Am I wrong to think this is an unnecessary invasion of
>my privacy, or is there really some purpose to this? I don't want to
>change doctors, but am seriously considering it if he insists, because I
>don't want the exam, but I also don't want hot flashes. Help! Ann

Your doc has every right -- and an obligation in fact -- to refuse to prescribe meds without examining you. YOu need BP checked, breast exam, rectal exam if > 40 -45, and a pelvic -- the pelvic to assess your bladder if nothing else. If you have ever had an abnormal pap in hte past, you should aslo continue to have pap smears -- and if all pap smears have been normal, a pap every 3 years should be considered (I have found at least 2 vaginal cancers in my career in women who have had hysterectomies and no previous abnormal paps)

--
M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
South Lake Tahoe, CA

This information is for educational purposes only and does not construe a doctor-patient relationship. It does not replace the need for you to consult your own doctor.

***private e-mails will be deleted without reading. Please respect my family time

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In reply to: Ann: "pelvic exam after hysterectomy"
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