An annual pelvic examination also gives you and your doctor an opportunity to review your general well-being. Even though the uterus and cervix have been surgically removed, the remaining pelvic tissues still require monitoring, especially in premenopausal women who choose to keep their ovaries to maintain the protective effects of estrogen. Continued pelvic exams can help detect ovarian cancer or other serious problems that may otherwise go undetected. In addition, cancers of the vulva or the vagina occur most commonly in postmenopausal women. As a result, it's important to detect and appropriately treat problems such as polyps or tumors in these areas.
Most gynecologists perform a digital rectal examination during a pelvic evaluation.
This procedure may seem awkward, but one in six colon cancers are detected in this way. If you are 50 or older and have not yet had a colorectal exam, it's time to talk to your physician about getting one. Additionally, your gynecologist will perform a breast examination. According to the American Cancer Society, women aged 40 or older should have mammograms performed annually. Beyond cancer and disease screenings, guidelines for proper health care change and improve frequently.