Frequently Asked Questions - Gynecology
| Click on a Question. | Feel free to bring you questions to your doctor. | ACOG Patient Education |
| What are my birth control options? | Why should I perform a monthly breast exam? Every year more than 200,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s why it is vitally important for a woman to regularly examine her breast. In fact, nearly 90% of breast lumps are found by the woman herself. Unfortunately, many women appear to be hesitant about performing this exam because they are not sure how to do it or what to look for.  |
| What is a Colposcopy? | |
| What is Endometriosis? | |
| What are Fibroids? | |
| What are Fibrocystic Breast Changes? | |
| What is Menorrhagia? | |
| What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? | |
| What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)? | |
| What is a Laparoscopy? | |
| What is a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)? | |
| What is Menopause? | |
| Why should I perform a monthly breast exam? | |
| What is Osteoporosis? | |
| What is a PAP Test? | |
| What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease? | |
| What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? | |
| What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? | |
| What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) | |
| What are Thyroid Disorders? | |
| What are Vaginal Infections? | |
However, if you perform a self-exam each month, you will become an expert on your own breasts and you will be able to notice a potential problem before your doctor. Only by doing this task every month will you become familiar with your breasts and make it more likely to notice any changes. And, changes are what you are looking for. If you find any lump, hard knot or thickening you should contact your doctor immediately. Don’t worry that it may be nothing. It is much better to be safe than sorry. When Should I Examine My Breasts? If you are still having periods, you should do the exam seven days after your period begins. Your breasts are least likely to be tender and swollen at this time. If you no longer have periods, choose a day each month for the exam, such as the first of the month. How Do I Examine My Breasts?In Front of a Mirror Inspect both breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms over your head. Look for any changes in the shape of each breast - swelling, puckering, dimpling, or scaling of the skin. Gently squeeze your nipple and look for a discharge. Report any discharge to your doctor. Next, put your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. The left and right breasts will not exactly match - this is normal. In the Shower Examine your breasts during a bath or shower. Your hands will glide easily over the wet skin. Press the sensitive pads of your fingers flat against the outer part of the breast, moving gently over every part of each breast. Start at the nipple and go around in a circular motion, enlarging the circle each time you reach the point where you began. Completely examine the breast and chest area from your collarbone to the base of a properly-fitting bra, and from your breastbone to your underarm. Lying Down Repeat this procedure lying flat on your back. Place your left arm over your head and a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder. This position flattens the breast and makes it easier to examine. Repeat on the other side. |
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