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Alternatives to Pelvic Exam: A Comprehensive Review
Author: Dr. Evelyn Reed, MD, FACOG (Board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with 15 years of experience in women's health and a focus on minimally invasive procedures.)
Keyword: Alternatives to pelvic exam
Summary: This article explores the burgeoning field of alternatives to pelvic exams, examining the technological advancements and clinical research that are challenging the traditional approach. It weighs the benefits and limitations of these alternatives, discussing their potential to improve patient comfort, reduce anxiety, and expand access to healthcare. The article also addresses the ongoing challenges, including the need for further research to validate their efficacy and establish clear clinical guidelines.
Publisher: The American Journal of Women's Health (AJWH) – A leading peer-reviewed journal renowned for its high-quality research and clinical insights in women's health. It is published by Springer Nature, a globally recognized academic publisher.
Editor: Dr. Sarah Miller, PhD, RN – A leading researcher and expert in women's health technology and patient experience.
Introduction: Rethinking the Pelvic Exam
The pelvic exam, a cornerstone of women's healthcare for decades, remains a source of anxiety and discomfort for many patients. The procedure, while valuable in diagnosing certain conditions, also carries potential risks, including infection and injury. Consequently, the search for effective alternatives to pelvic exam has intensified, driven by both patient demand and technological advancements. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these emerging alternatives, considering their advantages, limitations, and the broader implications for women's healthcare.
Technological Advancements: Paving the Way for Alternatives to Pelvic Exam
Several technological innovations hold promise as alternatives to pelvic exam. These include:
1. Transvaginal Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses a probe inserted into the vagina to produce detailed images of the pelvic organs. It can detect various conditions, including fibroids, cysts, and endometriosis, often eliminating the need for a manual bimanual exam for these specific assessments. While not a complete replacement, it offers a less invasive way to visualize internal structures.
2. Point-of-Care Testing: Rapid diagnostic tests are becoming increasingly available for common infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These tests, often performed using urine samples, can provide immediate results, minimizing the need for a pelvic exam solely for infection screening.
3. Advanced Imaging Techniques: MRI and CT scans offer detailed views of pelvic organs, useful for diagnosing complex conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or evaluating abnormalities detected during other screenings. While more expensive and not always readily accessible, they can offer superior diagnostic capabilities in specific cases, potentially reducing the need for a comprehensive pelvic exam.
4. Liquid Biopsy: This developing technology involves analyzing bodily fluids (such as urine or blood) for biomarkers that may indicate the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells in the reproductive tract. While still under development, successful implementation of liquid biopsies could significantly decrease the reliance on invasive pelvic exams for early cancer detection.
5. Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Telehealth platforms, combined with wearable sensors and remote monitoring devices, are revolutionizing healthcare access and could play a role in reducing the need for routine in-person pelvic exams. For example, remote monitoring of menstrual cycles and other symptoms can help identify potential problems earlier, reducing the urgency for immediate physical examinations.
Challenges and Limitations of Alternatives to Pelvic Exam
Despite the promise of these technological advancements, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of alternatives to pelvic exam:
1. Diagnostic Accuracy: While many alternatives offer comparable or even superior diagnostic accuracy for specific conditions, they may not replace the pelvic exam entirely. The sensitivity and specificity of each alternative vary, and some conditions require the tactile information obtained during a manual examination.
2. Cost and Accessibility: Advanced imaging techniques and point-of-care tests can be expensive, limiting accessibility for certain populations. This disparity in access reinforces existing health inequities, making it crucial to consider affordability when promoting alternatives to pelvic exam.
3. Regulatory Approval and Clinical Guidelines: Many of the newer technologies require further research to establish their efficacy and safety. The absence of clear clinical guidelines regarding their appropriate use can create uncertainty among healthcare providers.
4. Patient Acceptance and Education: Patient understanding and acceptance of alternative approaches are essential for successful implementation. Educating patients about the benefits and limitations of each alternative is crucial to ensure informed decision-making.
5. Integration into Clinical Workflow: Integrating new technologies into existing clinical workflows can be challenging and time-consuming, requiring significant investment in training and infrastructure.
Opportunities and Future Directions: Alternatives to Pelvic Exam
The development and adoption of alternatives to pelvic exam present several exciting opportunities:
1. Improved Patient Experience: Reducing the discomfort and anxiety associated with pelvic exams will significantly enhance the patient experience, potentially leading to better adherence to preventive healthcare.
2. Enhanced Access to Care: Expanding the use of less invasive and more accessible alternatives can improve healthcare access for women in underserved communities and rural areas.
3. Early Disease Detection: The potential of advanced imaging and liquid biopsy technologies for early detection of gynecological cancers offers a significant opportunity to improve patient outcomes.
4. Personalized Healthcare: Utilizing a combination of alternative methods tailored to individual patient needs can lead to a more personalized and effective approach to women's healthcare.
5. Research and Innovation: Continued research and development in the field of women's health technology are crucial to overcome the challenges and realize the full potential of alternatives to pelvic exam.
Conclusion
The search for alternatives to pelvic exam is driven by a desire to improve patient comfort, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and expand access to care. While the complete replacement of the pelvic exam is unlikely in the near future, technological advancements offer a promising path toward a more personalized, less invasive, and patient-centered approach to women's healthcare. Overcoming the challenges related to cost, accessibility, and clinical guidelines will be crucial to realizing the full potential of these alternatives and ensuring equitable access to high-quality care for all women.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to completely avoid a pelvic exam? Not entirely. While alternatives exist for certain diagnostic purposes, a pelvic exam may still be necessary in some cases.
2. Are alternatives to pelvic exams covered by insurance? Coverage varies depending on the specific test and insurance provider. Check with your insurance company for details.
3. Which alternative is best for me? The best alternative depends on your individual needs and the reason for the exam. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
4. Are alternatives to pelvic exams as accurate as a traditional exam? Accuracy varies depending on the alternative and the condition being diagnosed.
5. How long do alternatives to pelvic exams take? The time required varies greatly depending on the specific test or procedure.
6. Are there any risks associated with alternatives to pelvic exam? The risks associated with each alternative are typically minimal but should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
7. Can I use alternatives to pelvic exams during pregnancy? Some alternatives are safe during pregnancy, while others are not. Discuss this with your obstetrician.
8. Where can I find a healthcare provider who offers alternatives to pelvic exams? Ask your primary care physician or search online for providers specializing in minimally invasive gynecological care.
9. Is research ongoing for better alternatives to pelvic exams? Yes, ongoing research is constantly exploring and developing new technologies and approaches.
Related Articles:
1. Transvaginal Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Guide: This article explores the uses, benefits, and limitations of transvaginal ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in women's health.
2. Point-of-Care Testing for STIs: Accuracy and Accessibility: This article reviews the accuracy and accessibility of rapid diagnostic tests for common STIs.
3. The Role of MRI in Gynecological Diagnosis: This article discusses the role of MRI in diagnosing various gynecological conditions, including endometriosis and pelvic tumors.
4. Liquid Biopsy: A Novel Approach to Early Cancer Detection in Women: This article examines the potential of liquid biopsies in early cancer detection and diagnosis in the female reproductive system.
5. Telehealth and Remote Monitoring in Women's Health: This article explores the applications of telehealth in women's health, including remote monitoring of menstrual cycles and other symptoms.
6. Minimally Invasive Gynecological Procedures: A Review: This article provides a comprehensive review of minimally invasive procedures in gynecology and their benefits for patients.
7. Patient Anxiety and the Pelvic Exam: Strategies for Reducing Discomfort: This article examines strategies to reduce patient anxiety and discomfort associated with pelvic exams.
8. Reducing Healthcare Disparities in Women's Health: This article focuses on addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to care for underserved women's health populations.
9. The Future of Women's Healthcare: Technological Advancements and their Impact: This article explores the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of women's healthcare.
| alternatives to pelvic exam: The Doula Guide to Birth Ananda Lowe, Rachel Zimmerman, 2009-05-19 Here is your guide to the fastest-growing trend in childbirth—a tradition as old as motherhood itself. Doulas, or professional labor assistants, have led thousands of expectant women through the birthing process in a way that’s safe and meaningful, and that creates the birth and postbirth experience all mothers long for. What exactly do doulas do? How to find one that suits you. What are the “trade secrets” only doulas know but every woman should be aware of (even if you don’t have a doula)? In The Doula Guide to Birth, senior-level doula Ananda Lowe and award-winning health reporter Rachel Zimmerman have written a most comprehensive book that draws on the wisdom of these skilled experts, whose experience with doctors, midwives, nurses, and hospitals makes them invaluable advocates before, during, and after birth. * Labor techniques anyone can use * Pain medication: do you, don’t you—and when? * What dads and loved ones need and can do best * When should you really go to the hospital in labor? * How to prepare for unexpected medical procedures, including cesareans and epidural * Postpartum—what it’s really like * A clip-out chart of labor techniques, birth plan worksheets, and much more Combining science, wit, warmth, and support, as well as the inspirational stories of dozens of mothers and their partners, you’ll find the “doula viewpoint” on every major pregnancy and delivery issue, making this one of the most important childbirth books you’ll ever read and recommend. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Public Privates Terri Kapsalis, 1997 The quintessential examination of women, gynecology is not simply the study of women's bodies, but also serves to define and constitute them. From J. Marion Sims's surgical experiments on unanesthetized slave women in the mid-19th century to the use of cadavers and prostitutes to teach medical students gynecological techniques, Kapsalis focuses on the ways in which women and their bodies have been treated by the medical establishment. 34 photos. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Control World Health Organization, 2006 Most women who die from cervical cancer, particularly in developing countries, are in the prime of their life. They may be raising children, caring for their family, and contributing to the social and economic life of their town or village. Their death is both a personal tragedy, and a sad and unnecessary loss to their family and their community. Unnecessary, because there is compelling evidence, as this Guide makes clear, that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Unfortunately, the majority of women in developing countries still do not have access to cervical cancer prevention programmes. The consequence is that, often, cervical cancer is not detected until it is too late to be cured. An urgent effort is required if this situation is to be corrected. This Guide is intended to help those responsible for providing services aimed at reducing the burden posed by cervical cancer for women, communities and health systems. It focuses on the knowledge and skills needed by health care providers, at different levels of care. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: A Headache in the Pelvis David Wise, Ph.D., Rodney Anderson, M.D., 2018-05-22 Based on the gold-standard nondrug, nonsurgical Wise-Anderson Protocol for treating chronic pelvic pain, A Headache in the Pelvis is the definitive resource for anyone suffering from pelvic pain. Pelvic pain afflicts millions of men and women and goes by many names, including pelvic floor dysfunction and prostatitis. David Wise, Ph.D., searched for relief for his pelvic pain for more than 20 years. After researching medical journals and performing outside-the-box self-experimentation, he found a way to resolve his symptoms. He then joined forces with Stanford urologist Dr. Rodney Anderson in the mid-1990s, and together they treated patients and did research on what is now called the Wise-Anderson Protocol. Often incorrectly diagnosed, debilitating, and disruptive, pelvic pain is correlated with psychological distress. Using a holistic treatment integrating physical therapy and meditative relaxation, this book guides you through understanding your pain, why conventional treatments haven't worked, and describes the details of the physical and behavioral protocol that can help to heal the painful pelvic floor. At last, this life-changing protocol offers hope and help to lead a pain-free life. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tenth Edition Alan DeCherney, Lauren Nathan, T. Murphy Goodwin, Neri Laufer, 2006-09-22 The leading single-source book in women's health care, reproductive medicine, and pelvic surgery A Doody's Core Title! Thorough review of all of obstetrics & gynecology Covers more than 1,000 diseases and disorders The latest screening and management guidelines More than 450 clear clinical photos and illustrations in two colors Formatted to facilitate quick retrieval of information Concise, current coverage of treatments for common gynecologic infections Extensively revised throughout Covers underlying pathophysiology when relevant to diagnosis and treatment Helpful references to classic and important new sources |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Colposcopy and Treatment of Cervical Precancer [OP] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Walter Prendiville, Walter Prendiville, Rengaswamy Sankaranarayanan, 2017-06 This colposcopy manual was developed in the context of the cervical cancer screening research studies of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the related technical support provided to national programs. It is thus a highly comprehensive manual, both for the training of new colposcopists and for the continuing education and reorientation of those who are more experienced. This manual offers a valuable learning resource, incorporating recent developments in the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), as well as in colposcopy and cervical pathology. Expertise in performing satisfactory, safe, and accurate colposcopic examinations requires high competence in the technical, interpretive, and cognitive aspects, and the capability to develop pragmatic and effective management plans and treatment. This comprehensive and concise manual covers all these aspects and serves as a useful handbook for acquiring the necessary skills for the visual recognition and interpretation of colposcopic findings and for developing the personal and professional attributes required for competence in colposcopy. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Vaginal Hysterectomy Shirish S Sheth, John Studd, 2001-11-08 In recent years advances in laparoscopic technologies have led to renewed interest in the vaginal approach to hysterectomy, which has many proven benefits for patients. This volume, dedicated to explaining and promoting the vaginal route of hysterectomy, is written and edited by an international team of experts and provides a much-needed source of up-to-date information and instruction. Importantly, the authors caution that laparoscopic technology can provide a valuable source of assistance for the gynaecological surgeon in certain circumstances, though only in a percentage of cases. This book, beautifully illustrated with line drawings and full-colour photographs, contains step-by-step surgical techniques, enabling the surgeon to gain confidence and experience so that gradually more challenging operations can be managed successfully via the vaginal route. Acknowledged authorities from around the world take the reader through the indications and contra-indications for the vaginal approach, explain crucial preoperative assessment procedures, and offer an evidence-based elucidation of the 'why', 'when' and 'how' of vaginal hysterectomy. Specific topics considered here include: the nulliparous patient, uterine fiboids, debulking, the use of gonadtrophin-releasing hormone agonists, oophorectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy, adnexectomy for adnexal pathology, genital prolapse, the place of sacrospinous colpopexy, urethral sphincter incompetence, hormone replacement therapy, and the psychological and sexual outcomes of hysterectomy. In addition, the authors set forth the arguments for and against vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic assistance, and transcervical resection of the endometrium. Combined with a full review of the potential complications, morbidity and mortality associated with the vaginal approach, this book provides the reader with a well-balanced, thorough and considered appraisal of vaginal hysterectomy. As the incidence of hysterectomy worldwide continues to rise, Vaginal Hysterectomy will be an indespensable reference for practising gynaecologists, surgeons, consultants and postgraduates. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Comprehensive Gynecology Gretchen M. Lentz, David M. Gershenson, 2012-01-01 In the 25 years since the first edition of Comprehensive Gynecology, many scientific advances have occurred in medical practice. The first four editions were largely the work of the original four editors: Drs. William Droegemueller, Arthur L. Herbst, Daniel R. Mishell, Jr., and Morton A. Stenchever...With the staggering volume of medical literature published and the complexities of the gynecologic subspecialties, we have collaborated with additional experts for the sixth edition. We've examined disease and added a new chapter on the interaction of medical diseases and female physiology. We've investigated discord with new authors to completely rewrite the emotional and psychological issues in gynecology and the legal issues for obstetrician-gynecologists. Other chapters have delved into the controversies in breast cancer screening, vitamin D use, the ongoing debates in hormone therapy, and vaginal mesh use for pelvic organ prolapse surgery. (from Preface -- MD Consult, viewed April 9, 2012) |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Office Gynecology John V. Knaus, John H. Isaacs, 2012-12-06 As office technology has exploded and decision-making become increasingly complex, physicians are faced with an endless list of treatment options for commonly presenting gynecologic disorders. This new book reviews all state-of-the-art tools of diagnosis, investigation, and management to provide an invaluable guide for the office practitioner. From endocrine disorders to breast disease, from preventive measures for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease to management of an abnormal pap smear, from the use of ultrasonography and minimally invasive diagnostic procedures to high-level endocrine manipulation, office-based physicians are expected to be knowledgeable in all areas. This book leads the way. For gynecologists and residents, here is a solid-foundation and ready reference source, enhanced by more than 60 detailed illustrations. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Coal Mark C. Thurber, 2019-05-07 By making available the almost unlimited energy stored in prehistoric plant matter, coal enabled the industrial age – and it still does. Coal today generates more electricity worldwide than any other energy source, helping to drive economic growth in major emerging markets. And yet, continued reliance on this ancient rock carries a high price in smog and greenhouse gases. We use coal because it is cheap: cheap to scrape from the ground, cheap to move, cheap to burn in power plants with inadequate environmental controls. In this book, Mark Thurber explains how coal producers, users, financiers, and technology exporters drive this supply chain, while fragmented environmental movements battle for full incorporation of environmental costs into the global calculus of coal. Delving into the politics of energy versus the environment at local, national, and international levels, Thurber paints a vivid picture of the multi-faceted challenges associated with continued coal production and use in the twenty-first century. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Safe Abortion World Health Organization, 2003-05-13 At a UN General Assembly Special Session in 1999, governments recognised unsafe abortion as a major public health concern, and pledged their commitment to reduce the need for abortion through expanded and improved family planning services, as well as ensure abortion services should be safe and accessible. This technical and policy guidance provides a comprehensive overview of the many actions that can be taken in health systems to ensure that women have access to good quality abortion services as allowed by law. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Acute Care and Emergency Gynecology David Chelmow, Christine R. Isaacs, Ashley Carroll, 2014-10-30 Presents almost 100 common and uncommon gynecologic problems encountered in urgent and emergency settings with an emphasis on practical management. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Feeling Medicine Kelly Underman, 2020-08-18 Honorable Mention, Sociology of the Body and Embodiment Best Publication Award, given by the Body and Embodiment Section of the American Sociological Association The emotional and social components of teaching medical students to be good doctors The pelvic exam is considered a fundamental procedure for medical students to learn; it is also often the one of the first times where medical students are required to touch a real human being in a professional manner. In Feeling Medicine, Kelly Underman gives us a look inside these gynecological teaching programs, showing how they embody the tension between scientific thought and human emotion in medical education. Drawing on interviews with medical students, faculty, and the people who use their own bodies to teach this exam, Underman offers the first in-depth examination of this essential, but seldom discussed, aspect of medical education. Through studying, teaching, and learning about the pelvic exam, she contrasts the technical and emotional dimensions of learning to be a physician. Ultimately, Feeling Medicine explores what it means to be a good doctor in the twenty-first century, particularly in an era of corporatized healthcare. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain Michael Hibner, 2021-03-25 A practical manual on the treatment of pelvic pain, focusing on the many gynecological and non-gynecological causes of the condition. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Clinical Case Studies for the Family Nurse Practitioner Leslie Neal-Boylan, 2011-11-28 Clinical Case Studies for the Family Nurse Practitioner is a key resource for advanced practice nurses and graduate students seeking to test their skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing cases in family and primary care. Composed of more than 70 cases ranging from common to unique, the book compiles years of experience from experts in the field. It is organized chronologically, presenting cases from neonatal to geriatric care in a standard approach built on the SOAP format. This includes differential diagnosis and a series of critical thinking questions ideal for self-assessment or classroom use. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Surgery and Its Alternatives Sandra A. McLanahan, David J. McLanahan, 2003-04-01 Provides a discussion of both surgical and alternative approaches to an array of medical issues, revealing the pros and cons of various anesthetic and surgical options and describing more than two hundred procedures. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: 100 Cases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Cecilia Bottomley, Janice Rymer, 2008-01-25 A 24-year-old woman is referred from the emergency department with sudden onset of left iliac fossa pain and you are the medic on duty...100 Cases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology presents 100 commonly seen obstetric and gynaecological scenarios. The patient's history, examination and initial investigations are presented along with questions on the di |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: WHO Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment of Maternal Peripartum Infections World Health Organization, 2016-02-12 The goal of the present guideline is to consolidate guidance for effective interventions that are needed to reduce the global burden of maternal infections and its complications around the time of childbirth. This forms part of WHO's efforts towards improving the quality of care for leading causes of maternal death especially those clustered around the time of childbirth in the post-MDG era. Specifically it presents evidence-based recommendations on interventions for preventing and treating genital tract infections during labour childbirth or puerperium with the aim of improving outcomes for both mothers and newborns. The primary audience for this guideline is health professionals who are responsible for developing national and local health protocols and policies as well as managers of maternal and child health programmes and policy-makers in all settings. The guideline will also be useful to those directly providing care to pregnant women including obstetricians midwives nurses and general practitioners. The information in this guideline will be useful for developing job aids and tools for both pre- and inservice training of health workers to enhance their delivery of care to prevent and treat maternal peripartum infections. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Gynaecology by Ten Teachers Louise C Kenny, Helen Bickerstaff, 2017-05-08 First published in 1919 as 'Diseases of Women', Gynaecology by Ten Teachers is well established as a concise, yet comprehensive, guide. The twentieth edition has been thoroughly updated by a new team of 'teachers', integrating clinical material with the latest scientific developments that underpin patient care. Each chapter is highly structured, with learning objectives, definitions, aetiology, clinical features, investigations, treatments, case histories and key point summaries and additional reading where appropriate. New themes for this edition include 'professionalism' and 'global health' and information specific to both areas is threaded throughout the text. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: A Practical Manual on Visual Screening for Cervical Neoplasia R. Sankaranarayanan, Ramani S. Wesley, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2003 Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. This book serves as a concise teaching manual on visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and with Lugol's iodine to train health personnel, especially in developing countries, with the aim to detect this disease in the early pre-invasive phase and save women's lives. These two simple low-technology screening tests based on the ability of the trained health-care personnel to detect acetowhite areas, or yellow non-iodine uptake areas, in the cervical transformation zone are being evaluated as potential alternatives to cervical cytology. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Birth Without Fear January Harshe, 2019-03-05 An inclusive, non-judgmental, and empowering guide to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum life that puts mothersfirst, offering straightforward guidance on all the options and issues that matter most to them (and their partners) when preparing for a baby. In Birth Without Fear, January Harshe--founder of the global online community Birth Without Fear--delivers an honest, positive, and passionate message of empowerment surrounding everything that involves having a baby. It's a guide that fills in the considerable cracks in the information available to women and families when they're preparing to welcome a child--covering care provider choices, medical freedom, birth options, breastfeeding, intimacy, postpartum depression, and much more. Birth Without Fear shows moms, dads, partners, and families how to choose the best provider for them, how to trust in themselves and the birth process, and how to seek the necessary help after the baby has arrived. In addition, it will educate them about their rights--and how to use their voice to exercise them--as well as how to cope with the messy postpartum feelings many people aren't willing to talk about. Unlike other pregnancy books, Birth Without Fear will also help partners understand what mothers are going through, as well as discuss the challenges that they, too, will face--and how they can navigate them. Shattering long-held myths and beliefs surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience, Birth Without Fear is an accessible, reassuring, and ultimately inspiring guide to taking charge of pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Trauma, Resilience, and Health Promotion in LGBT Patients Kristen L. Eckstrand, Jennifer Potter, 2017-06-05 This book has two goals: to educate healthcare professionals about the effect of identity-based adversity on the health of their LGBT patients, and to outline how providers can use the clinical encounter to promote LGBT patients’ resilience in the face of adversity and thereby facilitate recovery. Toward this end, it addresses trauma in LGBT populations; factors that contribute to resilience both across the lifespan and in specific groups; and strategies for promoting resilience in clinical practice. Each chapter includes a case scenario with discussion questions and practice points that highlight critical clinical best practices. The editors and contributors are respected experts on the health of LGBT people, and the book will be a “first of its kind” resource for all clinicians who wish to become better educated about, and provide high quality healthcare to, their LGBT patients. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Controversies in Female Pelvic Reconstruction, An Issue of Urologic Clinics Roger R. Dmochowski, Mickey M. Karram, 2012-08-28 This issue of the Urologic Clinics is unique in that it examines the Controversies in Female Pelvic Reconstruction from both the urology and urogynecology standpoint. Areas of controversy regarding evaluation and therapy for a number of conditions unique to women's health are examined. Topics covered include urethral bulking, robotic/laparoscopic prolapse repair, management of bladder pain syndromes, and urodynamics. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Minimally Invasive Urology Sara L. Best, Stephen Y. Nakada, 2019-12-03 This new edition provides updated procedural recommendations and outcomes in all areas of endoscopic, robotic, and laparoscopic urology. New chapters cover alternative minimally invasive techniques for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as an in-depth review of instrumentation for stone surgery. All chapters contain new or revised “equipment lists” and tips and tricks for the practicing urologist, covering a broad spectrum of urologic diseases. Authored by a wide array of leaders in the field known for both their clinical prowess and commitment to education, the second edition of Minimally Invasive Urology: An Essential Clinical Guide to Endourology, Laparoscopy, LESS and Robotics provides a critical resource for clinicians, surgeons, operating room technicians, operating room managers and hospital administration. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Pediatric Physical Examination - E-Book Karen G. Duderstadt, 2013-10-01 This handbook serves the needs of undergraduate medical students ,nursing students and is good refresher for Pediatric post graduates. Reviewed by: Neel Kamal, Date: Aug. 14 This portable, photo-rich guide to physical examination for Nurse Practitioners and other primary care providers will help you develop the unique range of skills required to assess children of all ages. System chapters begin with embryological development and review the key developmental stages of childhood. For infants and young children, this step-by-step guide uses the quiet-to-active approach favored by pediatric experts and considered more effective for this age-group than the traditional head-to-toe approach used for adults. Other key topics include pediatric mental health assessment and growth and development screening and surveillance. Uses the quiet-to-active approach to the examination of infants and young children, starting with listening and moving on to touching, the pediatric assessment approach that yields the best results in this age group. More than 300 photos and line drawings facilitate learning and familiarize you with common assessment findings. Information Gathering tables highlight questions and data needed from the patient/guardian, with questions conveniently separated by age group, to help you take an accurate history. Charting examples show you how to record physical examination findings in the health record and acquaint you with documentation language and format. Pediatric Pearls highlight effective physical examination findings and techniques gleaned from actual practice. Coverage of assessment of the preterm infant equips you with practical tools for assessing this unique pediatric population. Full-color format facilitates readability and learning. An easy-access two-column format provides quick access to concise information. Spiral binding lets you lay the book flat or fold it back for easy visualization and quick reference in the clinical setting. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: The 5-minute Obstetrics and Gynecology Consult Paula J. Adams Hillard, Paula Adams Hillard, 2008 A quick, reliable reference guide for any physician or nurse practitioner treating female patients, this title provides instant access to clinically oriented, must-have information on more than 300 obstetric and gynecologic topics. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: The Well-Woman Visit David Chelmow, Anita Blanchard, Lee Learman, 2017-06-15 This accessible text expands on the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Well Woman Task Force (WWTF) to provide a practical guide to conducting a successful well-woman visit. Background chapters summarize the history of the WWTF and rationale and evidence supporting periodic health visits, explain the principles of early diagnosis and prevention, and offer advice on the practical side of conducting a visit, including considerations for special populations. Chapters detail each component of the visit, first explaining the scope of a problem, the rationale for screening or prevention, and the factors that alter a screening. The WWTF recommendations are then summarized and advice is offered on how to apply them. Case studies and advice on how to identify and assess new guidelines are also provided, ensuring providers are well-equipped to offer efficient and effective care. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Know Your Options , 2005 |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Hormone Intelligence Aviva Romm, M.D., 2021-06-08 INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • #1 GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER • USA TODAY BESTSELLER You are not broken. Being a woman is not a diagnosis. Take your body back with the groundbreaking new science for women in Hormone Intelligence. Hormonal. We all know what it means when we hear it – and feel it. While hormonal shifts are natural throughout women’s lives, too many experience distressing period symptoms, struggle daily with PCOS, endometriosis, a fertility challenge, pain, low sex drive, sleep problems, acne, bloating, hot flashes, and more – all due to hormone-related problems. And too many are unable to get the answers they’re really seeking from their doctors. There is a solution. In Hormone Intelligence, Yale trained and internationally renowned women’s health expert, Dr. Aviva Romm, helps you identify the root causes of your symptoms and guides you through a 6-week proven program to achieve lifelong hormonal and gynecologic health. Using a holistic, dietary and lifestyle changing approach, Hormone Intelligence goes beyond treating symptoms to the deeper factors impacting women’s health, so you can reclaim your body, hormones, and self. Inside Hormone Intelligence, you’ll find: · Hormone Health 101: Understand the key components of the hormone epidemic and associated dietary and lifestyle triggers. · Symptoms and Root Causes Demystified: Discover what your symptoms are saying about your hormones with quizzes, checklists, trackers, and more. · A 6-Week Action Plan: Learn what foods you should indulge and avoid, how to repair your microbiome to support hormone health, how to identify environmental hormone disruptors, engage your body’s natural detoxification systems and reduce hidden inflammation, and the lifestyle changes that lead to happy, healthy hormones. · Delicious, done-for-you meal plans to take you through the entire program, including vegan options. Hormone Intelligence is an invitation to a whole new relationship with your body and hormones, the exhale you’ve been waiting for, and the first step on the road to realizing that a diagnosis does not have to be your destiny. Extended references, a complete index, and additional resources for Hormone Intelligence can be found at the author's website. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: DC Dutta's Textbook of Gynecology Hiralal Konar, 2014-04-30 Fully revised, new edition presenting latest developments in gynaecology. Includes numerous graphics and diagrams and an interactive DVD ROM. Previous edition published in 2007. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Diseases of the Abdomen and Pelvis 2018-2021 Juerg Hodler, Rahel A. Kubik-Huch, Gustav K. von Schulthess, 2018-03-20 This open access book deals with imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, an area that has seen considerable advances over the past several years, driven by clinical as well as technological developments. The respective chapters, written by internationally respected experts in their fields, focus on imaging diagnosis and interventional therapies in abdominal and pelvic disease; they cover all relevant imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. As such, the book offers a comprehensive review of the state of the art in imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. It will be of interest to general radiologists, radiology residents, interventional radiologists, and clinicians from other specialties who want to update their knowledge in this area. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Midwifery Sally Pairman, Sally K. Tracy, Hannah Dahlen, Lesley Dixon, 2018-10-01 Now available in two volumes for ease of use: Book 1 focuses on the context of midwifery practice Book 2 focuses on midwifery practice New and significantly updated chapters include: man rights in childbirth Midwifery as primary healthcare Birth place and birth space Social and environmental determinants of women’s health Contraception Variations in normal Endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) and the New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM) NEW to the Evolve resources: a suite of 18 videos featuring interviews with midwifery lecturers and students who share inspirational insights, advice, challenges and opportunities for learning Now includes an eBook with all print purchases |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Gynaecological Examinations , 2002 |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Cardiovascular Disease and Steroid Hormone Contraception , 1998 Evaluates the strength and significance of evidence linking use of combined oral contraceptives to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Recommendations and conclusions reflect the consensus reached by a group of scientists, including researchers directly involved in several recent large-scale investigations of cardiovascular disease and hormone contraception. The experts also considered evidence that other factors, such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, age, and family history, might influence the risk of cardiovascular disease in users of combined oral contraceptives. In view of major recent changes in the hormonal content of these contraceptives and the prescribing patterns of providers, the assessment concentrates on data collected after 1980. The experts also aimed to determine whether the risk of disease is influenced by the estrogen or progestogen content of different preparations. To facilitate the comparison and interpretation of study results, the report opens with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the different epidemiological approaches used to assess the safety of steroid contraceptives. Also discussed is the important distinction between the use of relative risk to examine epidemiological associations and the use of absolute risk to examine clinical importance. Against this background, the main part of the report examines the strength of evidence linking steroid contraceptives to an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Studies of combined oral contraceptives and progestogen-only contraceptives are considered separately for each disease. An effort is also made to determine whether conclusions, based on studies conducted in industrialized countries, are also valid for women living in the developing world. The assessment of findings from epidemiological studies is complemented by a review of possible biological explanations for the effects of combined oral contraceptives on cardiovascular functions. On the basis of all available evidence, the report concludes that mortality rates from cardiovascular disease are extremely low among women of reproductive age and that the added risk of using steroid contraceptives is also very low in users who do not smoke or have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A final section places these risks in perspective and offers balanced advice useful to providers of family planning when helping women to make informed choices about the use of hormonal contraceptives. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Into Our Own Hands Sandra Morgen, 2002 Recent history has witnessed a revolution in womens health care. Beginning in the late 1960s, women in communities across the United States challenged medical and male control over womens health. Few people today realize the extent to which these grassroots efforts shifted power and responsibility from the medical establishment into womens hands as health care consumers, providers, and advocates. Into Our Own Hands traces the womens health care movement in the United States. Richly documented, this study is based on more than a decade of research, including interviews with leading activists; documentary material from feminist health clinics and advocacy organizations; a survey of womens health movement organizations in the early 1990s; and ethnographic fieldwork. Sandra Morgen focuses on the clinics born from this movement, as well as how the movements encounters with organized medicine, the state, and ascendant neoconservative and neoliberal political forces of the 1970s to the1980s shaped the confrontations and accomplishments in womens health care. The book also explores the impact of political struggles over race and class within the movement organizations. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Hard Lives, Mean Streets , 2010-05-11 The first comprehensive assessment of the experience of violence among homeless women |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Childbirth, Alternatives to Medical Control Shelly Romalis, 1981 |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance Dmitry M. Kissin, G. David Adamson, Georgina Chambers, Christian De Geyter, 2019-07-04 Offers a comprehensive guide to assisted reproductive technology surveillance, describing its history, global variations, and best practices. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: Stress Management Wolfgang Linden, 2004-10-05 Praise for Stress Management The author is correct in saying that the stress management field is a ′soft′ one, lacking a strong theoretical foundation, and therefore lacking good studies of efficacy and long term outcome. Certainly any publication that would improve on this situation is to be welcomed. . . . Strengths are the systematic approach to the topic. The attempt to ground scientifically the issue of stress management will appeal greatly to the more discerning student of clinical psychology and applied health psychology. It will provide a sufficiently academic approach to the topic that it will find acceptance in courses on the topic. -William R. Lovallo, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center & Director, Behavioral Sciences Laboratory, VA Medical Centers, Oklahoma City Most of the literature on stress management describes and evaluates individual stress responses but lacks a critical view of the scientific foundation of stress. In order to truly comprehend stress management, there needs to be clear understanding on the phenomenon that is to be managed. Stress Management: From Basic Science to Better Practice examines documented pathways between stress and health and develops the scientific foundations for sound interventions. The book begins with a broad review of the term ′stress′ and its importance for health. The text then provides a critical examination of the elements of the stress process, extracts supporting research for a rationale of stress management and describes various stress management techniques and their effectiveness. In Stress Management, author and renowned stress researcher Wolfgang Linden reviews the literature on intervention outcomes, noting weaknesses that include an overemphasis on individual rather than societal responsibility for stress and coping and disregard of the emerging field of positive psychology. The author concludes the text with a proposed distinction between psychotherapy and stress management, and he proposes the need for three distinguishable subtypes of stress management programs-a systematic-preventative approach; a broad-based stress vaccination and prevention type of protocol; and a reactive, problem-solving type of stress reduction intervention. Key Features Begins with a firm groundwork in defining stress and examining conceptual models of stress to set the stage for rational, science-based thinking on how to manage it Introduces a unique three-step process model for stress management Considers physiological and sociocultural influences on stress and health Offers an objective analysis of existing literature and includes extensive personal, clinical experiences of the author to make the science of stress come alive for the reader Includes coverage of positive psychology and how the creation of social support and positive emotional states can ease experiences with stress Stress Management is an excellent textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses, such as Stress Management, Stress & Coping, Stress & Health, and Stress & Wellness, in the fields of Psychology and Health. The book is also a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians within the behavioral sciences interested in understanding and alleviating stress. |
| alternatives to pelvic exam: The Definitive Guide to the OSCE Ronald M. Harden, Pat Lilley, Madalena Patricio, 2015-08-07 This book highlights the basic concepts underpinning the OSCE, its development and implementation in practice. Practical guidelines and tips are provided based on the authors' extensive experience gained over 40 years. Case studies are included to illustrate the OSCE's use in a wide range of settings and professions to assess the expected learning outcomes. The text is supplemented with personal accounts and anecdotes. Used globally in all phases of education in the different healthcare professions, the OSCE was first described by the lead author, Harden, in 1975 and it is now the gold standard for performance assessment. This book is an invaluable addition. It pulls together in one place pretty well everything that is known about the OSCE; what works and what doesn't. It is a welcome addition to the bookshelf of any educational leader. Geoff Norman's Foreword This book provides a full understanding of the basic concepts underpinning the OSCE and shows how to implement an OSCE effectively and efficiently in a variety of contexts. It includes case studies demonstrating the use of the OSCE in practice in a range of different fields. Practical guidelines and tips are provided based on the authors' extensive experience. |
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a choice among only two possibilities such that if one is chosen, the other cannot be chosen: Here are the alternatives: surrender or die. one of these choices: The alternative to riding is walking. …
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ALTERNATIVE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. preference suggests a choice guided …
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Alternative (ly) means ‘something that is different and unusual and offers a possible choice’: … There must be an …
Alternative Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictiona…
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