Thinking about getting a pelvic exam? It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous or unsure about what to expect. We get it! Our team at Dr. A Patient Care in Spring, TX 77379, wants to make sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to break down exactly what happens during a pelvic exam.
What Happens During a Pelvic Exam? A Step-by-Step Guide
A pelvic exam is an important part of a Well-Woman Exam.
It allows us to check the health of your reproductive organs. This includes your uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. We use this examination as a key tool for preventative care.
Lets walk through what you can expect when you come in for your appointment!
Step 1: Chatting with Us
Before anything else, we’ll have a conversation! This is your chance to discuss any concerns you have about your reproductive health. For example, period problems, pain, or anything else that’s on your mind. It’s also a good time to talk about your sexual health history and any medications you’re taking.
Step 2: Preparing for the Exam
You’ll be asked to undress privately from the waist down. You’ll be provided with a gown to cover yourself. Our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable. You’ll then lie down on the examination table, usually with your feet in stirrups. Don’t worry, we’ll help you get positioned comfortably! If your feeling anxious check out 10 tips for a more comfortable wellwoman exam
Step 3: The Visual Exam
First, we’ll visually examine the external genitalia (vulva). We’re looking for any signs of irritation, redness, sores, or other abnormalities. This is a quick and painless part of the exam.
Step 4: The Speculum Exam
Next comes the speculum exam. A speculum is an instrument that gently separates the walls of the vagina so we can see the cervix. Here’s what happens:
- We’ll warm the speculum and lubricate it to make it more comfortable.
- We’ll gently insert the speculum into your vagina. You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. Let us know if you’re experiencing discomfort.
- Once the speculum is in place, we’ll visually examine your cervix.
- We may collect cells for a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
- We may also take samples for STI testing, if needed.
The speculum exam usually only lasts a few minutes.
Step 5: The Bimanual Exam
After removing the speculum, we’ll perform a bimanual exam. This involves:
- Inserting one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina.
- Placing our other hand on your lower abdomen.
- By gently pressing on your abdomen and feeling inside your vagina, we can assess the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries.
- We’re also checking for any tenderness or abnormalities.
This part of the exam helps us detect any potential problems, such as fibroids or ovarian cysts. To learn more about bimanual exams check out this blog what is a bimanual exam during a well woman visit.
Step 6: The Rectovaginal Exam (Sometimes)
In some cases, we might perform a rectovaginal exam. This involves inserting one finger into your vagina and another into your rectum. This helps us further assess the pelvic organs and check for any abnormalities. It’s not always necessary, but it can provide valuable information in certain situations.
Step 7: Discussing the Findings and Next Steps
After the exam, we’ll discuss our findings with you. We’ll explain what we saw and felt during the exam, and we’ll answer any questions you have. If we took any samples (like a Pap smear), we’ll let you know when to expect the results. We’ll also discuss any necessary follow-up care, such as scheduling another appointment or recommending further testing. Remember, you can also ask what questions should I ask at my well woman exam?
FAQs About Pelvic Exams
Here are some common questions we hear about pelvic exams:
Is a pelvic exam painful?
Most women experience some pressure during the exam, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you feel any pain, let us know immediately! We can adjust our technique to make you more comfortable. To learn more about this topic you can read our blog Is a WellWoman Exam Painful? What to Expect.
How often do I need a pelvic exam?
The frequency of pelvic exams depends on your age, health history, and individual needs. We’ll discuss this with you during your visit and recommend a schedule that’s right for you. For an age based guideline, check out this blog How Often Should You Get a WellWoman Exam? Age-Based Guidelines.
Can I get a pelvic exam while I’m on my period?
In most cases, yes. However, it’s best to check with us beforehand. Sometimes, certain tests are more accurate if you’re not menstruating.
What if I’m nervous about the exam?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous! Talk to us about your concerns. We’re here to help you feel as comfortable as possible. We can explain each step of the exam and answer any questions you have.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what happens during a pelvic exam! If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. A Patient Care in Spring, TX 77379, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide you with compassionate and comprehensive care.
Our team is dedicated to making your pelvic exam a positive experience.
Book Your Next Appointment Below
Located on 5523 Louetta Rd STE C, Spring, TX 77379, our detailed assessment ensures that all your medical needs are addressed.
Not Sure What You Need?
Visit Our Location
