They can possibly check for pregnancy, as well as any abnormalities of the fallopian tubes. Finally, your doctor may perform a rectal examination.
For this exam, the doctor inserts their fingers into both the rectum and vagina simultaneously to check for abnormalities in the tissue between the two organs. Your doctor will be able to tell you right away if any abnormalities were found. However, Pap smear results may take a few days. Your doctor may prescribe medications or require a follow-up visit. They can also detect life-threatening conditions, such as cancer or infections.
Pelvic exams are routine, but you may have some discomfort during the procedure and spotting afterward. Many women find pelvic exams physically and mentally uncomfortable. Doctors try to make them as painless as possible and offer reassurance and feedback during the process. It might be helpful for you to prepare a set of questions you have for your doctor. You may also ask a friend or family to stay with you during your appointment. Research shows that some groups of women are more inclined to feel physical and emotional discomfort during a pelvic exam.
This includes adolescents, minorities, people with disabilities, and people who have been sexually assaulted. Healthcare providers will take special care during pelvic exams by using lubrication during instrument insertion and educating women about the process before getting started.
If you feel uncomfortable at any point during your exam, make sure to tell your healthcare provider. A transvaginal ultrasound, also called an endovaginal ultrasound, is a type of pelvic ultrasound used by doctors to examine female reproductive organs. The pelvic exam itself is simple, takes only a few minutes, and is not painful.
The entire exam is over very quickly. If you are interested, you can ask for a mirror during the exam to learn more about your body and what the doctor is doing during the exam.
If your doctor or nurse is male, a female assistant will be called into the room during all parts of the exam. A small amount of discharge or even a few spots of blood is normal after a pelvic exam and Pap test. A woman usually starts having pelvic exams after she becomes sexually active or turns 18 years of age. A pelvic exam is done to: check the size and position of the organs in the pelvis, including the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes, vagina and cervix help find the cause of pain, abnormal bleeding or discharge check for problems such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts check for infections, including sexually transmitted infections STIs check the fit of a diaphragm or the placement of an intrauterine device IUD for birth control.
It is often part of a regular physical checkup and may include a Pap test. Special preparation may be needed before a pelvic exam. Try to avoid having a pelvic exam and Pap test during menstruation.
Avoid having sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before a pelvic exam. Do not use a vaginal douche, vaginal medicines or contraceptive spermicidal creams, foams or gels except as directed by the doctor for at least 24 hours before having a pelvic exam and Pap test.
These products can wash away or hide abnormal cells. Before the exam, the healthcare professional will ask questions about your medical and reproductive history, including: the date of your last period if you are sexually active and if you use birth control if you have any problems with periods, such as spotting or pain if you have any symptoms in the pelvic area, such as itching, soreness, unusual vaginal discharge or odour if you could be pregnant.
You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down and cover yourself with a sheet while lying on an examination table. Usually the knees are bent and spread apart. It helps to take deep breaths and relax the muscles during a pelvic exam. The healthcare professional begins by checking the outer appearance of the vulva and the opening of the vagina for signs such as redness, discharge, growths such as cysts or genital warts and other abnormal conditions.
For women over 30, it may be a good idea to be screened for human papillomavirus , commonly called HPV, along with a Pap smear. HPV is the virus responsible for cervical cancer.
Depending on the results of these tests, the doctor may advise a person to wait up to 5 years between Pap smears. During this time, it is still a good idea to have a yearly pelvic exam. Women over 65 should continue to have pelvic exams as recommended by a doctor. Only those with histories of gynecological precancer should continue having Pap smears. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It can lead to scarring of tissues and organs, and infertility.
The ovaries are located on either side of the lower pelvis. Learn about the possible causes of ovary pain, including cysts and endometriosis. A pelvic laparoscopy is a commonly employed surgical procedure. It can help detect endometriosis, cervical cancer, and other conditions. It can also…. PCOS is a disorder where small fluid-filled cysts form in the ovaries, leading to an imbalance in female sex hormones. Symptoms can include…. Vaginal swelling can occur for a range of different reasons.
This article examines 14 reasons why a person may experience vaginal swelling, including…. What happens during a pelvic exam? Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. Procedure During the exam After the exam Pelvic exams during pregnancy How often should you get one? Takeaway A pelvic exam involves physically and visually examining the female reproductive and sexual organs.
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