Key Points
- Pelvic exams are vital for women's reproductive health, allowing for examination of the vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes.
- These exams can be incorporated into regular checkups or wellness visits, and are instrumental in diagnosing a range of conditions.
- Conditions that can be diagnosed through pelvic exams include STDs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, pregnancy, genital warts, and endometriosis.
- A pelvic exam is conducted in a doctor's office and consists of an external visual exam, an internal visual exam, and a bimanual exam.
- The article recommends women to consider adding an STD test or pregnancy test to their pelvic exam appointment.
If you’re a woman, pelvic exams are a necessary part of life. They are crucial in examining your reproductive organs, which include the vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes. You may need a pelvic exam as part of your regular checkup or wellness visit, or it can be done to evaluate and diagnose a multitude of conditions, including STDs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, pregnancy, genital warts, endometriosis, and more.
A pelvic exam is done in a doctor’s office and usually takes a few minutes. You’ll be asked to get undressed and put on a gown, as well as a sheet to wrap around your waist for additional privacy. Your healthcare professional will first listen to your heart and lungs and perform an abdominal, back, and breast exam, which also only takes a few moments.
Once it is time for the pelvic exam, you’ll be asked to lie on your back on an exam table with your knees bent and your feet placed in supporting stirrups. Your healthcare professional will perform:
- An external visual exam – During this portion of the exam, your medical examiner will look at your vulva, checking for irritation, redness, swelling, sores, or other abnormalities.
- An internal visual exam – This is usually the most uncomfortable part of the exam. Your doctor will use a speculum (a plastic or metal instrument that’s shaped like a duck’s bill) to spread open your vagina walls to see your cervix, which they will scrape with a cotton swab for samples of its cells. This is referred to as a pap test, and is used to detect the presence of cervical cancer or pre-cancer.
- The bimanual exam – In order to check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries, your medical examiner will put one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina while pressing down on your lower abdomen with their other hand.
Your pelvic exam is so important as is taking charge of your reproductive health. If necessary, you could also choose to add an STD test or pregnancy test to the same appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of a pelvic exam?
The main purpose of a pelvic exam is to check the health of a woman's reproductive organs and to diagnose any potential health conditions.What conditions can a pelvic exam diagnose?
A pelvic exam can diagnose a variety of conditions including STDs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, pregnancy, genital warts, and endometriosis.Where is a pelvic exam performed?
A pelvic exam is typically performed in a doctor's office.What does a pelvic exam involve?
A pelvic exam involves an external visual exam, an internal visual exam, and a bimanual exam.Can I get an STD or pregnancy test during my pelvic exam?
Yes, you can choose to add an STD test or pregnancy test to your pelvic exam appointment.Are pelvic exams part of regular checkups or wellness visits?
Yes, pelvic exams can be part of regular checkups or wellness visits.How important are pelvic exams for reproductive health?
Pelvic exams are extremely important for maintaining reproductive health as they allow for early detection and treatment of various conditions.Can I choose to not have a pelvic exam?
While it's ultimately your decision, it's highly recommended to have regular pelvic exams to maintain your reproductive health and catch any potential issues early.