A pelvic examination is one of the most common standard gynecological procedures. It is, in essence, an assessment of the female reproductive system. It can be done either as part of a regular medical checkup or as a standalone examination. Besides the routine check, in some cases the examination is ordered for specific reasons like unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, etc. The examination itself is quick and typically takes around 10 minutes. It is usually done in the doctor’s office and requires no special preparation on your part. During the examination, the doctor will check the vulva, ovaries, cervix, uterus, rectum and pelvis for anything unusual or for any changes that have occurred since the last examination. In some cases, a pap smear may also be done during the examination.
Why Pelvic Examinations Are Done
In most cases, being asked to undergo a pelvic examination is not a cause for concern. It is usually ordered as a preventive measure to detect potential health issues and to begin treatment at an early stage, so that your reproductive and sexual health remain strong. In general, the doctor will look, among other things, for signs of sexually transmitted diseases, ovarian cysts, growths in the uterus and any tumours or other possible indicators of health issues that will need treatment. A history of conditions affecting the reproductive system may require that pelvic examinations be done more frequently. These examinations are also often done when pregnant as part of a routine prenatal care checkup. There is no specific frequency at which these examinations are to be done. Your gynecologist will order these examinations based on your gynecological history and other health factors.
Pelvic examinations are also done to find the cause of problems such as vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during sex, urinary problems, skin problems, etc. If any problems are found, then additional tests may be required to clearly pinpoint the location and cause of the ailment so effective treatment can begin.
Preparing for a Pelvic Examination
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the examination. Your doctor may advise scheduling it for a day when you do not have your period – this is for your comfort. You will usually be asked to empty your bladder before the examination begins. If you have any specific questions or concerns, you can discuss them with the doctor either before or after the examination.
What Happens During the Examination
You will be lying on your back on an examination table. Your knees will be bent and your feet will be placed either at the corners of the table or in special supports called stirrups. You will be asked to allow your knees to fall open. The doctor will then do:
- An External Visual Examination: The doctor will look at your vulva for signs of irritation, swelling, changes in skin colour, indications of infection and so on.
- An Internal Visual Examination: A special tool called a speculum will be used to open the walls of the vagina so that the doctor can visually inspect the vagina and cervix for any signs of problems. The examination is not painful, but using the speculum may cause some degree of discomfort. The more you relax during the examination, the less the discomfort. If the discomfort or pain becomes severe, tell the doctor so that the test can be stopped and a way to increase your comfort level may be found.
- A Physical Examination: The pelvic organs cannot be seen from outside the body. Checking the condition of organs like the ovaries and uterus requires that the doctor touch them to feel for any abnormalities. To enable this, the doctor will insert lubricated and gloved fingers into the vagina to touch the organs while at the same time using the other hand to press gently on the lower belly. This allows the size and shape of the organs to be ascertained and helps note any areas that are unusually sensitive to touch or pressure. In some cases, the doctor may insert a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to check for any growths, unusually tender spots or anything unusual.
A Pap Test: In this test, which is also commonly known as a pap smear, a sample of cells from the walls of the cervix is collected. These will be sent to a laboratory for further examination.
The Results
Because most of the examination is based on visual indicators and touch, the doctor will normally be able to tell you right away if anything unusual was noted. In case any abnormality has been found, other tests may be ordered so that the exact nature of the problem can be known. Results of the pap test may take a few days. A pelvic examination is a good time to talk to your gynecologist about any questions or concerns you have about your reproductive health.
A pelvic examination is normally a routine procedure that is done as a preemptive step to protect your reproductive health. That does not mean that it can be taken for granted. Have the examination done at a dedicated gynecological department of a leading multispecialty hospital. This will ensure that you are examined by the best gynecologists using the latest medical technology and equipment. If any possible problems are found, including any that may affect other parts of your body, being at a multispecialty hospital means that specialists from a variety of medical disciplines will be readily available to provide the expertise needed for effective treatment of the ailment.
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FAQs About Pelvic Examination
- What is a pelvic examination?
A pelvic examination is a routine gynecological procedure used to assess the health of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. It helps detect signs of infections, abnormalities, or other health concerns.
- Why is a pelvic examination done?
It is typically done to ensure good reproductive and sexual health, detect early signs of diseases, and identify causes of symptoms such as pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse. It may also be recommended during pregnancy as part of prenatal care.
- Is a pelvic examination painful?
The examination is generally not painful, although some women may experience mild discomfort, especially during the use of a speculum. Relaxing the muscles can reduce discomfort. Inform your doctor if the pain becomes severe.
- How long does a pelvic examination take?
A pelvic examination usually takes around 10 minutes to complete.
- Do I need to prepare for a pelvic examination?
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to empty your bladder before the test. If possible, try to schedule it when you are not on your period for comfort, unless it is an emergency.
- What happens during the examination?
During the examination, the doctor will: