Pelvic Exam

The Pelvic Exam examines the

Uterus
Cervix
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Bladder
Rectum

Ongoing exams on a regular basis are necessary for both menopausal and post-menopausal women because the risk of cancer increases with age.

What is a regular exam period?Women who are or who have been sexually active should have a pelvic exam every 1 to 3 years after having 3 consecutive normal exams. Discuss with your doctor what a good interval would be for exams based on your sexual history and personal profile.

What Can I Expect During the Exam?The exam will probably cause some discomfort but generally is not painful.

How Is the Exam Performed?During a typical pelvic exam, your doctor or nurse should:

Give you a gown or some covering to change into in private.

Clarify any health concerns you may have.

Help you get in position for the speculum exam. (Sometimes doctors or nurses may be having a bad day, or be a little out of touch with what helps you feel comfortable. They may tell you to relax while putting you in an uncomfortable position. Make sure you tell the doctor or nurse if something is too painful or uncomfortable. Be sure to exercise your right to take care of yourself.)

The doctor will palpitate or press on the lower parts of you stomach to feel the organs from the outside.

Ask you to bend your knees and to place your feet in holders called stirrups.

Insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum spreads your vaginal walls open so the doctor can see your cervix and uterus as well as your vagina.

Your doctor will perform a pap smear by using a plastic spatula and small brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix and possibly some fluid from your vaginal walls to test for infection.

After removing the speculum, your doctor will give you a manual exam by placing two fingers inside your vagina and use the other hand to gently press down on the area he or she is feeling to observe if your organs have changed in size or shape.

Your doctor may also perform a rectal exam by inserting a gloved finger to detect any tumors or other abnormalities.

Finally, your doctor should talk to you about the exam. Feel free to assert yourself with questions if your doctor is not volunteering any attention to possible concerns. You may have to set a follow up appointment to get the results of your exam.

Other women's health pages on this website:

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Women's Health
Women's Health Problems
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

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