The Pelvic Exam

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• What is a pelvic exam?
• When are pelvic exams done?
• Do I need to do anything to prepare for a pelvic exam?
• What can I expect during a pelvic exam?
• How is a pelvic exam performed?
• What tests are taken during the pelvic exam?
• How often should I get a pelvic exam?

What is a pelvic exam?

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?

Pelvic exams are performed:

• 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. 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.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
• Yeast Infection - Learn about vaginal yeast infection symptoms like vaginal burning, itching, soreness discharge, and pain during sex and urination. Treatment information is included in the information.
• Bacterial Vaginosis - Learn about bacterial vaginosis, an infection which symptoms include an odorous vaginal discharge. The vaginal odor may be fish like, and grey in color. Treatment is necessary with antibiotics.

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