Women's Health
General Gynecology
Common Procedures
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam is done in five steps:
Step One–External Genital Exam
| Purpose: | Check for irritation, unusual discharge, cysts or genital warts and to make sure the glands around the opening of your vagina or urethra are not swollen or inflamed. |
| How it's Done: | The area is both visually and manually examined. |
Step Two–Internal Bimanual Exam
| Purpose: | Evaluate the size, shape and position of pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes) and help detect abnormalities such as adhesions, tears, enlargements, cysts, tumors or tenderness. |
| How it's Done: | One or two gloved, lubricated fingers are placed in the vagina while pressing on the lower abdomen with the other hand. |
Step Three–Internal Rectovaginal Exam
| Purpose: | Evaluate the tissue in between the uterus and vagina and the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. Check for rectal bleeding. |
| How it's Done: | A gloved, lubricated finger is placed in the vagina and another in the rectum while pressing on the lower abdomen. |
Step Four–Internal Speculum Exam
| Purpose: | Examine vaginal walls and cervix for damage, sores, growths, inflammation or unusual discharge. A Pap smear will be taken during this phase of the exam. |
| How it's Done: | A special instrument is gently inserted and opened to hold the walls of the vagina apart. |
Step Five–Pap test
| Purpose: | Detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, cervical infections and inflammation and thinning of the vaginal lining. |
| How it's Done: | With the speculum in place, a small spatula and brush are used to remove a few cells from your cervix. |
A pelvic exam takes about 10 minutes. You’ll remove your clothing (all or just below the waist) and use a front-opening exam robe and/or paper or cloth covering for privacy during the test. The special exam table is designed for you to lie on your back with your feet raised and supported by stirrups. Your doctor will ask you to relax your knees outward. You can expect your doctor to reassure you by telling you what he or she is doing as the exam progresses. The doctor will wear gloves during all phases of the exam. A female nurse or assistant may stay in the room with you during the exam.
If you feel uncomfortable during the exam: