What happens during a pelvic exam?
You will be escorted to an exam room in which to remove your clothing and put on an examination gown. A sheet is provided for added privacy. Before the exam begins, you will be asked to place your feet in the stirrups at the end of the table. The clinician will use a latex glove to manually examine your genital area then will gently insert a speculum device to hold open the vaginal canal. You will feel some pressure when the speculum is inserted, especially against the bladder, but the exam should not be painful. Once the speculum is opened, the wall of the vagina and the cervix will be visually examined and the clinician will perform a pap test. For best results, avoid the use of douches, vaginal creams or vaginal medications for at least 48 hours prior to your exam because these products can distort the appearance of the cells. Use a condom if you have vaginal intercourse less than 24 hours before your exam. Pap smears generally should be done when you are not menstruating. After rem
