Question 1

i had a hysterectomy in 2009 my doctor did not take my ovaries, she said i don't need any pelvic exams any longer, its always bothered me.  do i?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A woman who has had a hysterectomy for totally benign causes, without evidence of precancerous conditions of cervix no longer needs pap smears. However, bimanual pelvic exams are warranted to evaluate presence of ovarian disease. Ultrasound is valuable in detection as well, but not a routine screening tool.

Question 2

is an annual gynecology exam necessary after a total hysterectomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: Absolutely! please continue seeing your gynecologist annually even after having a hysterectomy. At this visit, your physician will discuss your overall health and well-being. Also, since you are now surgically post-menopausal, your doctor will help you prevent problems such as osteoporosis. Importantly, you will still benefit from a regular pelvic and breast exam.

Question 3

at what age do they stop doing pelvic exams?  hysterectomy

Accepted Answer

No age: It is common for women to believe that a pap smear is the only reason for a pelvic exam and that can stop once a hysterectomy is done. The cervix and uterus are not the only things evaluated during a pelvic exam. Specifically after hysterectomy, i'm more inclined to evaluate for loss of pelvic support and look for visual abnormalities.

Question 4

had hysterectomy 6 weeks ago. during exam found out i have a ruptured cyst, how long does the pain last & is it normal to have pain in thighs as well?

Accepted Answer

Ruptured cyst: I am assuming this is a ruptured ovarian cyst from an ovary(s) that were left post hysterectomy. The fluid from the cyst can irritate the peritoneum (lining of the inside body cavity) that can cause pelvic pain. Radiating nerve pain to the tops of the thighs have also been know to occur but is short lived. Have your GYN MD do a pelvic ultrasound to see if the cyst is still there or something else.

Question 5

partial hysterectomy 5 months ago. i only bleed when i have intercourse. i am tired of medicine given for just in case an infection but no one wants to do a thorough exam to figure it out. i know this is not common. it is frustrating what is this?

Accepted Answer

: If the surgeon who did the hysterectomy, or any other doctor for that matter, doesn't feel the need to do an evaluation that seems sufficient to you, then you need to persist until you find someone who will. Your frustration is understandable, and it is inappropriate for you to repeatedly be given medicine "just in case" without a clear diagnosis.

Question 6

i had a total hysterectomy done in 2000 where my uterus, cervix and ovaries were all removed do i still need annual pelvic exams?

Accepted Answer

Not pap smear: If you have had a hysterectomy the you no longer need a pap smear. You should still have an annual physical exam done. Your doctor who knows all of your health history can determine if this includes a pelvic exam in your case.

Question 7

can a ob/gyn tell if you have a post hysterectomy abscess by doing a pelvic exam in the office. i'm 2 weeks post hysterectomy and he diagnosed bv. yet i have every single symptom of a abscess and i'm getting much worse.he didn't do a ultrasound or ct?

Accepted Answer

: Office pelvic exam is a good first step; if that is normal, probably no abscess is present. The need for imaging (ultrasound or CT) is best made by a doctor in person. Follow your doctor's advice about it, and about any treatment she might prescribe.

Question 8

at 68, can vaginal exams stop? am on vivelle (estradiol) dot 5mg. had a total hysterectomy in '89

Accepted Answer

Depends . . .: Tricky question to answer bc depends upon definitions. Pelvic/vaginal exams are separate from Pap smears which look for cervical cancer. Assuming total hysterectomy (TH) for non-cancerous reasons, there's no further need for Pap smears. Common misunderstanding that TH includes removing ovaries - this is not true, as it only refers to removing whole uterus. If ovaries removed too then stop pelvic

Question 9

does a woman who had a hysterectomy, need a pelvic exam and pap test?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A pap test looks for cervical cancer. If you had a full hysterectomy, it means you don't have a cervix and therefore can't get cervical cancer and you don't need a pap test.  You will however need a pelvic exam, becuase that checks our pelvis and ovaries, which you will still have after a hysterectomy.

Question 10

sherri had a hysterectomy at 32, cervix removed, had ovaries. abnormal pap at 36, been clear since. does she need annual pelvic exams? if so what test

Accepted Answer

Hust: If her ovaries remain intact the indeed she needs a pelvic exam annually.

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Doctor answers about:

Internal exam at two weeks post hysterectomy

A member asked:

I had a hysterectomy in 2009 my doctor did not take my ovaries, she said i don't need any pelvic exams any longer, its always bothered me. do i?

A member asked:

Is an annual gynecology exam necessary after a total hysterectomy?

A member asked:

At what age do they stop doing pelvic exams? hysterectomy

A member asked:

Had hysterectomy 6 weeks ago. during exam found out i have a ruptured cyst, how long does the pain last & is it normal to have pain in thighs as well?

A member asked:

Partial hysterectomy 5 months ago. i only bleed when i have intercourse. i am tired of medicine given for just in case an infection but no one wants to do a thorough exam to figure it out. i know this is not common. it is frustrating what is this?

A member asked:

I had a total hysterectomy done in 2000 where my uterus, cervix and ovaries were all removed do i still need annual pelvic exams?

A member asked:

Can a ob/gyn tell if you have a post hysterectomy abscess by doing a pelvic exam in the office. i'm 2 weeks post hysterectomy and he diagnosed bv. yet i have every single symptom of a abscess and i'm getting much worse.he didn't do a ultrasound or ct?

A member asked:

At 68, can vaginal exams stop? am on vivelle (estradiol) dot 5mg. had a total hysterectomy in '89

A member asked:

Does a woman who had a hysterectomy, need a pelvic exam and pap test?

A member asked:

Sherri had a hysterectomy at 32, cervix removed, had ovaries. abnormal pap at 36, been clear since. does she need annual pelvic exams? if so what test

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