How to do gynecological examinations for international students in the United States?

How to do gynecological examinations for international students in the United States?

gynecological examinations guide for international students

Introduction

Living overseas, girls of all ages are always confused about their physical changes and problems, but due to various factors, only a small number of girls will take the initiative to do gynecological examinations.

In fact, American gynecologists recommend women over the age of 21 have an annual gynecological examination to ensure that all their problems are detected in time and they do not miss the best time for treatment.

Of course, some gynecological examination items only need to be carried out every two or three years, so please follow the doctor’s advice!

Content

1. Gynecological Examinations

1. Gynecological Examinations

Gynecological examinations in the U.S. are generally divided into internal examinations and external examinations.

External examinations are mainly thyroid palpation, breast palpation and abdominal palpation. Doctors usually examine in gloves to check for lumps or other abnormalities by touching and pressing certain parts of the body. And it is recommended for women over the age of 40 to have regular Mammography as well.

Q: What is Mammography?

Q: What is Mammography?

A: Mammography aims to screen for breast cancer. It is also the most effective test to detect breast cancer at an early stage, since doctors can use X-rays to look for potential signals of breast cancer, and sometimes the signals could be found 3 years before patients really feel uncomfortable.

During the examination, patients need to fix their chest on the equipment, and doctors will take X-rays from multiple angles before interpreting the results. Note: Try not to do this examination one week before and after your period, because the condition of your chest may change during that time.

Mammography

Internal examinations are mainly Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam, which are also key items in gynecological examinations.

Q: What is Pap Smear?

Q: What is Pap Smear?

A:Pap smear is a test to screen for cervical cancer. Doctors take a sample from one’s cervix and examine the cervical cells under a microscope to see if there are cancerous cells. Most women should do a Pap smear every three years, starting at the age of 21.

During Pap smear, doctors firstly look at the vulva for abnormalities, and then quickly take some cells as samples from the surface of the cervix and from the cervical canal. Note: The entire procedure may be uncomfortable, but will not be painful.

Pap Smear

Q: What is Pelvic Exam?

Q: What is Pelvic Exam?

The purpose of the Pelvic Exam is to check for abnormalities in the vagina or cervix, which is generally recommended for all women over the age of 21 to take, although doctors sometimes may discuss if one needs to start the test at this moment based on their health conditions.

During Pelvic Exam, doctors will check the position, size, firmness and tenderness of one’s vagina, uterus, and ovaries by palpation. Patients can also ask doctors to provide a small mirror so that they can observe the examination process.

Pelvic Exam

2. What kind of medical insurance does Student Medicover provide?

2. How Student Medicover plan covers your Gynecological Examinations?

In the United States, having a reliable medical insurance plan can greatly reduce your medical expenses, such as 100% reimbursement for preventive medical examinations (including preventive gynecological examinations).

Student Medicover gynecological examinations

Benefit 1: 

Our Elite, Prime and Choice plan include preventive care service benefits (in-network), and these plans cover 100% of the claim amount as long as the service is listed on UHC Preventive Care Guideline. (Note: If there are restrictions, please refer to UHCSR’s Preventative Benefit Instructions; HPV vaccine benefits are limited to people aged 9-45).

To view our latest Preventative Care List, check here.

Benefit 2: 

All plans include free psychological counseling services online on HealthiestYou for students over 18. 

Studies have shown that women are more vulnerable to have symptoms such as anxiety and depression than men, as the number of women with depression is twice as high as that of men in the United States. We hope to provide more considerate help to international students to give them enough supports.

Contact Us

Finally, SM assistants hope every international student to receive the best quality service and the most solid medical protection. Students who have any doubts about gynecological examinations can send messages directly to our assistants for further help!