Does my gyno really need to give me a rectal exam?
As awkward as a between-the-cheeks check may be, most doctors consider it a vital part of a routine gynecologic exam, even for women in their 20s and 30s. While some docs skip this step because — surprise — it makes patients feel uncomfortable, according to Yvonne S. Thornton, an OB-GYN at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, you need to request one. “What your gyno examines through the vagina is merely the front side of your uterus,” she explains. Checking the rectum can reveal problems including cysts, tumors, and polyps. But don’t worry — it takes less than 20 seconds, and if you relax and take deep breaths, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
