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The Cleveland Clinic

The 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:

When Are Pelvic Exams Done?

Pelvic exams are performed:

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.




Next: What can I expect during a pelvic exam? »

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Bladder Control Problems?
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Important Safety Information | Prescribing Information
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ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:

  • · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
  • · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
  • · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENABLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENABLEX affects you.


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Pelvic Exam

Trichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) »

What is trichomoniasis and how do you get it?

Trichomoniasis (pronounced trih-kuh-muh-nye-uh-sus), also called "trick," is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by a parasite that can be passed from one person to another. The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. The vulva is the genital area outside the vagina. Women can get the disease from infected men or women.

While trichomoniasis is usually passed sexually, it may be picked up from contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat, if the genital area gets in contact with these damp or moist objects.

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Many women do not have any symptoms, but still have the STD. If women do have symptoms, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and can include:

  • yellow, green, or ...

Read the Trichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) article »




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