A pelvic exam lets a doctor evaluate a woman’s reproductive system. The doctor will examine the vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vulva for infections or abnormal cells.
A pelvic floor muscle examination evaluates strength, tone, coordination, and health in relation to continence, pelvic discomfort, and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic health specialists and physical therapists examine pelvic floor muscles.
When Should Women Get Pelvic Exams
Gynecologists recommend women undergo their first pelvic exam at 21 unless they have health issues. All women over 21 should undergo a pelvic checkup annually.
Additional reasons for pelvic exams:
- Birth control considerations
- 10+ days of vaginal bleeding
- Excessive menstrual cramps
- Unknown pelvic or vulva pain
- Odorous vaginal discharge
- Vulva or pelvic burning, itching, or pain
- Ovarian cysts or STDs
- No menstruation by 16-years-old
- Ovarian cancer in family history
- Continence issues
- Vaginal pressure/bulging
- Lower-back and pelvic pain
Should Virgins Get Regular Pelvic Exams?
Yes. All women over 21 should get frequent pelvic checks, even if they have never had vaginal contact. Pelvic exams and tampons do not harm the hymen. Regular check-ups are the greatest approach to detect reproductive system issues.
Pelvic Exam Preparation
Tell your doctor this is your first pelvic exam. First-timer doctors usually explain the procedure and reassure patients. Preparing questions and concerns can assist. If you’re uneasy, having a friend or family member there can help.
Schedule your pelvic exam during a non-menstrual period. Unless you want to talk to your doctor about menstruation. If so, the doctor may recommend a menstrual exam.
Avoid vaginal contact, douching, and vaginal creams 24 hours before your pelvic exam. These can change your pap smear’s vaginal cells. To avoid pain during the exam, empty your bladder after checking in.
What Happens during Pelvic Exams?
A pelvic exam guide and recommendations to help you feel more in control are below.
Before the Exam
Medical history is discussed before a pelvic exam. They will next ask you to change into a hospital gown and remove your underwear.
If a gynecologist does a pelvic exam, you may be asked to remove your bra.
Visual Examination
Next, recline on the exam table and put your feet in the stirrups. The doctor will check the vulva and vagina for discomfort, redness, infection, and sexually transmitted illnesses.
Examination with Speculum
After the ocular exam, the doctor will gently open the inner vagina with a speculum. Stainless steel or medical-grade plastic speculums resemble duck beaks.
Breathe slowly and relax the vaginal and abdominal muscles as the speculum is inserted. It doesn’t hurt, but some ladies find it odd. Before insertion, the doctor warms the speculum.
Pap Smear
The doctor usually swipes the cervix with a little spatula before withdrawing the speculum. A pap smear collects vaginal cells for microscopic inspection.
A pap smear checks vaginal cells for abnormalities related to infections, cancer, and STDs.
Manual Examination
The manual exam evaluates the ovaries and uterus for abnormalities. Your doctor will put two fingers into the vagina and gently pressure the abdomen while wearing lubricated gloves.
This test checks for fallopian tube and uterine abnormalities and pregnancy.
What Next?
Your doctor will let you change after the exam. After dressing, your doctor will discuss any irregularities and suggest medicines or follow-up visits. The doctor’s nurse or receptionist calls patients with pap smear findings after a few days.
Post-pelvic exam spotting is normal.
Conclusion
Pelvic exams are important for women’s health, yet some find them painful. Women over 21 should have them annually. Female sexual and reproductive organ checks can discover infections, underlying disorders, and cancer for early treatment.
Instead of skipping checks, women who fear pelvic exams can talk to their doctor. Nervous, disabled, or sexually attacked women can always receive special attention.