Why is a Pelvic Exam necessary?
A pelvic exam is part of an annual Well-Woman exam that allows your Ob/Gyn, the pelvic exam specialist, to make sure that everything is as it should be and problems, if any, are detected early. This exam is a normal part of taking care of your health and only takes a few minutes.
During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines internal and external organs in your pelvis, including the vagina, vulva, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
The exam typically consists of 3 or 4 elements depending on the timing or any new concerns.
- External Exam – the pelvic exam specialist will examine the outer part of the genitalia- your vulva and vaginal opening and check for any abnormalities
- Speculum Exam – for the next part of the exam, your doctor will use a speculum (a medical device that is used to hold open orifices and cavities) to examine the cervix. Speculums come in a variety of sizes and your doctor can use a smaller one if necessary. The doctor will also perform a Pap smear and get a tiny sampling of the cells from the cervix wall. He or she may also take a sample to perform an STD test (if requested and discussed at the beginning of the visit).
- Bimanual Exam – The pelvic exam specialist will insert one or two gloved fingers in the vagina, and press on your lower abdomen with the other hand. This is the test to examine the condition, shape, and position of the uterus and any signs of abnormalities. You may feel some very mild discomfort, but it definitely shouldn’t hurt.
Your Viva Eve doctor will make sure that your NYC pelvic exam is as comfortable and quick as possible and will make you feel at ease during this simple and necessary procedure.
Benefits & Risks
Benefits
Pelvic exams are essential for your sexual and reproductive health. Through regular exams, your pelvic exam specialist gets to know you, which helps him treat you over the years. The exams let your doctor detect and treat any conditions, including cancers, before they become life-threatening.
Risks
There are no risks associated with female pelvic exams. Your pelvic exam specialist can identify any abnormalities immediately, so you can begin proper treatment or take preventive steps. Only Pap smear results are not immediate; they may take a few days to receive.
FAQs
Why is a Pelvic Exam necessary?
A pelvic exam is part of an annual Well-Woman exam that allows your Ob/Gyn, the pelvic exam specialist, to make sure that everything is as it should be and problems, if any, are detected early. This exam is a normal part of taking care of your health and only takes a few minutes.
During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines internal and external organs in your pelvis, including the vagina, vulva, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
The exam typically consists of 3 or 4 elements depending on the timing or any new concerns.
- External Exam – the pelvic exam specialist will examine the outer part of the genitalia- your vulva and vaginal opening and check for any abnormalities
- Speculum Exam – for the next part of the exam, your doctor will use a speculum (a medical device that is used to hold open orifices and cavities) to examine the cervix. Speculums come in a variety of sizes and your doctor can use a smaller one if necessary. The doctor will also perform a Pap smear and get a tiny sampling of the cells from the cervix wall. He or she may also take a sample to perform an STD test (if requested and discussed at the beginning of the visit).
- Bimanual Exam – The pelvic exam specialist will insert one or two gloved fingers in the vagina, and press on your lower abdomen with the other hand. This is the test to examine the condition, shape, and position of the uterus and any signs of abnormalities. You may feel some very mild discomfort, but it definitely shouldn’t hurt.
Your Viva Eve doctor will make sure that your NYC pelvic exam is as comfortable and quick as possible and will make you feel at ease during this simple and necessary procedure.
