Physical examination of pelvic area must: Experts
Unlike the usual visit to a dentist or ophthalmologist, it does not occur to many to pay a routine visit to the gynaecologist as well.
Mumbai: Gynaecologists of the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) said that physical examination of the pelvic region (internal and external vagina) is absent, and that most doctors depend on MRI scans instead. The gynaecologists have got at least 100 patients who were misguided due to absence of a physical examination.
Dr Supriya Chopra, a gynaecologist from TMH, told The Asian Age, “I get hundreds of women with late detection and most of them are from rural areas. The physical examination of the pelvic region is absent since most doctors depend on scans without performing physical examination which leads to late detection.”
Dr Amita Maheshwari, another gynaecologist from TMH, said, “Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection which leads to cancer is completely curable. If detected and reported early, further damage to the pelvic cells and cancer can be prevented.” She said the stigma associated with having to see a gynaecologist could be a reason why women choose to avoid pelvic screening. Unlike the usual visit to a dentist or ophthalmologist, it does not occur to many to pay a routine visit to the gynaecologist as well.