WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for February, 2001: Re: Just Wondering....

Re: Just Wondering....

From: M. Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 2 Feb 2001 22:12:10 -0600 (CST)

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At Fri, 2 Feb 2001, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote: >
>I'm sorry my subject line does not give a hint as to the nature of my
>post, but I just didn't know how to word it!
>
>I'm in my mid-30's and will be having my first gyn exam next week. [I
>know, I know - it's almost 20 years overdue, but better late than never,
>right?? :o)] Admittedly, I've done way too much research just so that
>I'd know what to expect. It seems the jury is split on when to do a
>digital rectal exam - apparently some drs do it on everyone and other
>drs begin it at age 40 or 50.

I begin around 40

As much as I don't want this to sound >weird and as much as I dread this part of the exam, I want my dr to do
>it because I read that it can offer a more thorough examination of the
>uterus - which is what I feel I need since uterine cancer is in my
>family history and even claimed the life of a close relative at a very
>young age - 40.
>

rectals are good to detect blood in hte stool or irregularity of the ligaments which support the uterus (and may become nodular if involved with endometriosis) and a rectal may make it easier to feel the ovaries, but it won't help diagnose uterine cancer

>I guess my question is this: If the dr chooses not to do this part of
>the exam, do I simply trust that decision because she will know my
>history by then? After all, I sure don't want to ask for it!!

be sure to mention your history -- and any unusual bleeding you may have. If your doctor is concerned (and concern would be based more on things going on with you like abnormal bleeding), she will either do an endometrial biopsy, a hysteroscopy/D&C or an ultrasound to better assess your uterine lining >
>Thank you, and thank you, too, to both the doctors and the women who
>post here because I've done a lot of reading on this forum and you have
>all given me the courage and confidence to finally make this
>appointment!

Be sure to tell the doc it is your first exam so she will know to talk you through it!

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

**this is for educational purposes only and does not supplant the need for you to consult your personal physician. *** Private e-mails WILL NOT be answered!!!!

Next message: Tracy: "bacterial vaginosis that won't go away HELP PLEASE"
Previous message: Susan: "Ectopic afterall"
In reply to: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Just Wondering...."
Next in thread: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Just Wondering....- THANK YOU Dr. Shanahan!"
Reply: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Just Wondering....- THANK YOU Dr. Shanahan!"

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