In this Article

• 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?
• Pelvic Exam Index

What Can I Expect During a Pelvic Exam?

You can expect to feel a little discomfort, but you should not feel pain. The exam itself takes about 10 minutes. If you have any questions during the exam, be sure to ask your doctor.

How Is a Pelvic Exam Performed?

During a typical pelvic exam, your doctor or nurse will:

1. Ask you to take off your clothes in private (You will be given a gown or other covering.)
   
   
2. Talk to you about any health concerns
   
   
3. Ask you to lie on your back and relax
   
   
4. Press down on areas of the lower stomach to feel the organs from the outside
   
   
5. Help you get in position for the speculum exam (You may be asked to slide down to the end of the table.)
   
   
6. Ask you to bend your knees and to place your feet in holders called stirrups
   
   
7. Perform the speculum exam. During the exam, a device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina. The speculum is opened to widen the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be seen.
   
   
8. Perform a Pap smear. Your doctor will use a plastic spatula and small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix (A sample of fluid also may be taken from the vagina to test for infection.)
   
   
9. Remove the speculum.
   
   
10. Perform a bimanual exam. Your doctor will place two fingers inside the vagina and uses the other hand to gently press down on the area he or she is feeling. Your doctor is noting if the organs have changed in size or shape.
    
    
11. Sometimes a rectal exam is performed. Your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to detect any tumors or other abnormalities.
    
    
12. Talk to you about the exam (You may be asked to return to get test results.)

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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