What is a pelvic examination? How is it performed?
When you start worrying about changes in your menstrual cycle or vaginal discharge, a pelvic examination may be done by your doctor to help assess your sex organs. Before the examination, you will be asked to remove your clothes and undergarments. You may also be asked to urinate before they do the examination. A blanket is placed over your upper body while your lower body will be exposed for the examination. You will then be asked to lie on your back. Your legs will be raised and supported by stirrups. During the examination, the doctor may insert a gloved finger to feel and evaluate your sex organs such as the ovaries and the uterus. A metal instrument called a speculum may be inserted into the vaginal canal to spread the vaginal walls and to view the vagina and cervix directly. A Pap smear may be done during a pelvic examination to obtain samples from the cervix and vagina for further examination. Try to relax and take deep breaths to stay calm. It is all right to tell your doctor if you feel any pain or discomfort.
Should I be afraid of undergoing a pelvic examination? Will it hurt?
You may be anxious or scared of undergoing a pelvic exam. That is perfectly normal. Read about the examination beforehand and ask your doctor questions. Tell your doctor if you feel anxious or worried about the examination. Questions like: Will it hurt? How long will it take? When will the results be available?, are good points to ask. Knowing the details of the procedure will help you feel at ease. During the examination, a speculum which is an elongated metal or plastic instrument is inserted into the vaginal canal. This spreads the vaginal walls so that your doctor may be able to view the vagina and the cervix. For young women who never had sexual intercourse, a slimmer and shorter speculum may be used. The speculum is warmed and lubricated before being inserted to help prevent any discomfort or pain. If you feel any pain, then tell your doctor about it. Your doctor would appreciate you doing that.
What is so important about this examination? It looks complicated.
It is always wise to be open to suggestions coming from family members and your doctor. We know that sex organs may not be readily examined during regular check ups. Unlike the heart which beats or the lungs which give out sounds when one breathes, the uterus or the vagina need to be directly touched or viewed for any disease to be noted. This is why a pelvic examination is done. The pelvic exam allows the doctor to view the vagina and the cervix directly. Through the Pap smear, a sample may be obtained from the surface of the cervix to check if there are any abnormalities in the cervix.
