What is a pelvic exam?
In a pelvic exam, the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum are felt to find any abnormality in their shape or size. During a pelvic exam, an instrument called a speculum is used to widen the vagina so that the upper portion of the vagina and the cervix can be seen. 3. Why are a Pap smear and pelvic exam important? A) A Pap test and pelvic exam are important parts of a woman’s routine health care because they can detect abnormalities that may lead to invasive cancer. These abnormalities can be treated before cancer develops. Most invasive cancers of the cervix can be prevented if women have Pap tests and pelvic exams regularly. Also, as with many types of cancer, cancer of the cervix is more likely to be treated successfully if it is detected early. 4. Who performs a Pap test? A) Doctors and other specially trained health care professionals, such as physician assistants, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, may perform Pap tests and pelvic exams. These indiv
A pelvic exam is a checkup of your vagina (birth canal), uterus (womb), ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The check of the uterus includes the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus into the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus and pass through the vagina during the birth process. Menstrual blood forms in the uterus each month and flows through and from the vagina during your period. The exam will vary depending on your needs, but it will usually include a Pap test. Having this exam may be stressful for many women. This is easy to understand since the area being examined is considered private and the exam can be uncomfortable. Your healthcare provider is aware of this discomfort and will help you through it. Why should I have a pelvic exam? A pelvic exam is an important part of taking good care of your health. It helps your healthcare provider find or diagnose problems with your female organs. It may be used to check for: • nor
You will be taken to an examination room, where you’ll undress and put on a paper or cloth gown. A health care provider will come into the room for the exam. (If you have a male doctor and would feel uncomfortable, ask for a female nurse to be present in the room during the exam. Or, you can opt for a female doctor.) Then you’ll be asked to slide down to the end of the exam table and place your feet in the stirrups at the end of the table. This position makes it easier for the gynecologist to examine the vulva and check both inside and outside the vaginal area. Usually, the gynecologist will check the labia and vulva for the general health of the skin. The doctor will examine your abdomen, feeling the size and shape of your bones and reproductive organs. Next, the gynecologist will insert a metal or plastic device called a speculum into the vagina. The speculum has two paddles that hold open the vaginal walls so the gynecologist can see the cervix at the back of the vagina. After looki
