A pelvic exam is a way for doctors to look for signs of illness in
certain organs in a woman's body. The word "pelvic" refers to the
pelvis. The exam is used to look at a woman's:
Vulva
(external genital organs)
Uterus (the womb)
Cervix (opening from the vagina to the uterus)
Fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs to the womb)
Ovaries (organs that produce eggs)
Bladder (the sac that holds urine)
Rectum (the chamber that connects the colon to the anus)
When Are Pelvic Exams Done?
During a yearly physical exam.
When a woman is pregnant.
When a doctor is checking for an infection (such as chlamydia,
vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and others).
When a woman is having pain in her pelvic area or low back.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for a Pelvic Exam?
You do not have to do anything special to get ready for the exam
other than bathing or showering first. When you arrive at the
office, your doctor may ask if you need to use the bathroom. This
question is asked so that you can stay comfortable during the exam.
Sometimes, a urine sample is requested.
What Can I Expect During a Pelvic Exam?
You can expect to feel a little discomfort, but you should not feel
pain. The exam itself takes about 10 minutes. If you have any
questions during the exam, be sure to ask your doctor.
In addition to the following items that will be covered during your
pelvic exam, you may also have your doctor may also do other things
that you can expect to occur during a regular physical exam.
How Is a Pelvic Exam Performed?
Ask you to take off your clothes in private (You will be given a
gown or other covering.)
Talk to you about any health concerns
Ask you to lie on your back and relax
Press down on areas of the lower stomach to feel the organs from the
outside
Help you get in position for the speculum exam (You may be asked to
slide down to the end of the table.)
Ask you to bend your knees and to place your feet in holders called
stirrups
Perform the speculum exam. During the exam, a device called a
speculum will be inserted into the vagina. The speculum is opened to
widen the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be seen.
Perform a Pap smear. Your doctor will use a plastic spatula and
small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix (A sample of
fluid also may be taken from the vagina to test for infection.)
Remove the speculum.
Perform a bimanual exam. Your doctor will place two fingers inside
the vagina and uses the other hand to gently press down on the area
he or she is feeling. Your doctor is noting if the organs have
changed in size or shape.
Sometimes a rectal exam is performed. Your doctor inserts a gloved
finger into the rectum to detect any tumors or other abnormalities.
Your doctor may also do a breast exam.
Talk to you about the exam (You may be asked to return to get test
results.)
What Tests Are Taken During the Pelvic Exam?
A sample of cells may be taken as part of regular test called a Pap
smear, or Pap test, to screen for cervical cancer or cells that look
like they might lead to cancer. The sample is placed in a solution
and sent to a lab where it is examined. Tests also may be taken to
screen for sexually transmitted diseases.
How Often Should I Get a Pelvic Exam?
According to the American Cancer Society it's a good idea for women
to begin having yearly pelvic exams within three years of becoming
sexually active or at the age of 21, whichever comes first. The exam
should also include a yearly Pap smear. Some women who have a higher
risk of cancer may need to have a Pap smear more often. Women who
have had normal Pap smear results for several years and have only
one sex partner may need a Pap smear less often. Talk to your doctor
to see what is right for you.
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