Women's Wellbeing > Taking a Pelvic Exam

This is something every woman needs to have done every year or so from about the age of 18 or when becoming sexually active or have vaginal discharge, or have menstrual problems. Pelvic or vaginal examinations should detect any abnormalities in the reproductive and urinary systems and if there is any abnormality, it can be dealt with before it has a chance to develop. Problems typically occur because of sexually transmitted diseases and some forms of cancer that may affect the genitalia.

Some women worry about taking a pelvic exam and while it is normal to feel anxious or embarrassed, there’s no need to. This is your body and your responsibility and the pelvic area is a vital part of your body and you should accept and cherish it.  The gynecological exam is a way for your health care provider to examine your female organs and check for any gynaecological problems and its a simple procedure that usually doesn't hurt and takes only a few minutes.

Schedule your appointment about a week before your period starts, or the week after your period ends and before you go, do not have sex, use vaginal creams, lubricants, or douche for at least 24 hours before the exam.

Your nurse/doctor will ask you to complete a detailed form about your medical history, weigh you, take your blood pressure and may be asked to provide a urine sample.

Before the internal exam, the doctor may check your heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and the breasts. You will then be asked to lie down on the exam table, place your feet in the stirrups or footrests.

The External Exam
The doctor will first examine the outer parts of the genitals to check for irritation, sores, discharge, cysts, warts, or other abnormalities.

The Speculum Exam
Then the doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This is either a metal or plastic device shaped like a duckbill that holds the vagina open. The doctor checks for any irritation, growth, or abnormal discharge from the cervix. Usually a small spatula of tiny brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix for a Pap test, a test for cervical cancer or precancerous cells. see video below

The Bimanual Exam
The doctor inserts two fingers into the vagina while pressing the abdomen with the other hand. The doctor checks for the size, shape and position of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries; fibroid growths in the uterus or cysts in the ovaries and signs of infection such as tenderness or pain.

The Rectovaginal Exam
Here the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to check the condition of muscles that separate the vagina and rectum. The doctor will also check for possible tumors located behind the uterus, on the lower wall of the vagina, and in the rectum.

When the exam is over, your doctor will answer any questions and tell you when and how to get the results of your exam. You should be able to immediately resume your normal daily activities.  

Know your body


The Pelvic Exam

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