A pelvic exam is an examination of the internal pelvic organs and external genitalia.
This includes the vagina, vulva, uterus, cervix, rectum, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
They also examine the external area around your vagina and use gloved fingers to feel your uterus and ovaries.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Any abnormal findings may prompt the need for further evaluation and testing.
When Are Pelvic Exams Needed?
A pelvic exam often takes place as part of your preventive care during a routine checkup.
There is currently no consensus among experts on how often a pelvic exam should be performed as preventive care.
During Pregnancy
A pelvic exam is typically performed at the first prenatal care visit.
If you have a history of certain gynecological conditions, more frequent pelvic exams may be necessary.
You don’t have to do anything special to prepare for the exam.
Who Performs Pelvic Exams?
A pelvic exam is performed by a healthcare provider, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
The test is done in your healthcare provider’s office or a health clinic.
This includes time spent waiting, filling out forms, completing your medical history, and so on.
Bring along any questions you have about the exam or your gynecological health as well.
Have your insurance card handy, as well as your co-pay, if needed.
However, avoiding this exam for too long can cause any problems to go undetected.
Be prepared to give the nurse the date of the first day of your last period.
You will be given a gown and drape to cover yourself until your examination begins.
Your healthcare provider will knock to confirm you’re ready and then enter the room.
They will ask about your medical history and discuss any problems you’re having.
Breast Exam
A reliable examination of your breasts takes approximately 30 seconds per breast.
Pelvic Exam Procedure
The pelvic exam itself only takes a few minutes.
Try taking deep breaths to help relax your muscles if you’re feeling tense.
The speculum widens your vaginal walls so your healthcare provider can view them, as well as yourcervix.
If you do, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.
There may be a smaller one they can use instead.
The speculum is gently slid out once this part of the exam is complete.
The bimanual exam can be a bit uncomfortable, but should not result in overt pain.
Fortunately, this part of the examination usually lasts for less than 30 seconds.
Because it can give your healthcare provider important information, it’s worth a bit of temporary discomfort.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results of your pelvic exam with you.
You may have light spotting and possibly some cramping, but you shouldn’t have pain.
These symptoms should not last long.
If you have heavy bleeding or severe cramping or pain, contact your healthcare provider.
How long does a pelvic exam take?
A pelvic exam will take a few minutes.
Some parts of the exam may be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful.
If it hurts, say something.
Your healthcare provider may be able to make things more comfortable.
Your medical professional may even look at the slides themselves after your pelvic exam.
Results from a cervical swab to check for gonorrhea and chlamydia will take a few days to come back.
Further tests can confirm these findings.
Planned Parenthood.What is a pelvic exam?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your first gynecologic visit.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cervical cancer screening (update).
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Pelvic exams.
Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
HealthCare.gov.Preventive care benefits for women.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National breast and cervical cancer early detection program.
American Cancer Society.American cancer society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.
Office on Women’s Health.Endometriosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Office on Womens Health.Ovarian cysts.
Office on Womens Health.Uterine fibroids.
