I’ve heard that the protocol at the gynecologist in other countries is very different from the US And want to hear about your experience.
A typical well-woman visit protocol in the US involves:
- You first talk with the doctor to discuss any issues or questions you have with her
- Doctor leaves the room while you change into a gown
- Doctor comes back into the room with a female chaperone, often a nurse or medical assistant who stays during the remainder of the exam
- Doctor performs clinical breast exam, only uncovering what is necessary (no longer recommended by many organizations in favor of breast imaging, but still a commonly done)
- Doctor performs bimanual pelvic exam while you are covered by a gown and sheet (this exam is no longer recommended for asymptomatic women by the American college of obstetrics and gynecology, but is still commonly performed)
- Doctor performs a Pap smear using a speculum to take a sample from the cervix (still heavily done at the doctors office in the US despite self-collection swabs for HPV testing being available)
- The doctor should walk you through everything that she is doing and let you know that you are in control and can stop the exam at any time or skip any part that you are uncomfortable with.
How are things different or the same in the country you are from?
u/Dizzy_Medium122 — 7 days ago