Women’s health centre

The pelvic examination

A pelvic examination is a way for doctors to look for signs of illness in certain organs in a woman's body. The word 'pelvic' refers to the pelvis. The examination is used to look at a woman's:

• Vulva (external genital organs)
• Uterus (the womb)
• Cervix (opening from the vagina to the uterus)
• Fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs to the womb)
• Ovaries (organs that produce eggs)
• Bladder (the sac that holds urine)
• Rectum (the chamber that connects the colon to the anus)

When are pelvic examinations done?

Pelvic examinations are performed:

• During a physical check-up.
• When a woman is pregnant.
• When a doctor is checking for an infection (such as chlamydia, vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and others).
• When a woman is having pain in her pelvic area or lower back.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for a pelvic examination?

You do not have to do anything special to get ready for this. When you arrive at the clinic, your doctor may ask if you need to use the lavatory. This question is asked so that you can stay comfortable during the examination. Sometimes, a urine sample is requested.

What can I expect during a pelvic examination?

You can expect to feel a little discomfort, but you should not feel pain. It takes about ten minutes. If you have any questions during the exam, make sure you talk to your doctor.

How is a pelvic examination performed?

During a typical pelvic examination your doctor or nurse will:

• Ask you to take off your clothes in private (you will be given a gown or other covering).
• Talk to you about any health concerns.
• Ask you to lie on your back and relax.
• Press down on areas of the lower stomach to feel the organs from the outside.
• Help you get in position for the speculum exam (you may be asked to slide down to the end of the table).
• Ask you to bend your knees and sometimes to place your feet in holders called stirrups.
• Perform the speculum exam. During the exam, a device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina. The speculum is opened to widen the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be seen.
• Perform a cervical smear (often called a Pap smear). Your doctor will use a plastic spatula and small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix. A sample of fluid also may be taken from the vagina to test for infection.
• Remove the speculum.
• Perform a bimanual exam. Your doctor will place two fingers inside the vagina and uses the other hand to gently press down on the area he or she is feeling. Your doctor is noting if the organs have changed in size or shape.
  Sometimes a rectal exam is performed. Your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to detect any tumours or other abnormalities.
• Talk to you about the examination.  You may be asked to return to get test results.