It's normal for many women to feel a little scared, embarrassed, and uncomfortable when asked about a "Pelvic Exam," a gynecological exam. Because it's a very personal thing. But when it comes to your health, this is one of the most important tests you can have. So today, we'll talk about this in a very simple way that will clear up all your questions and fears.
Simply put, what is a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam is a way for your doctor to check the health of your reproductive organs. It's a quick and safe test. It can help your doctor see if there are any problems inside your body.
The main organs that are focused on in this test are:
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
- Bladder
How often you need to have this test depends on your age and health, so it's best to discuss it with your doctor.
Are pelvic exams and Pap tests the same thing?
No. These two are two different things. But in most cases, both of these tests can be done at the same time, in the same appointment.
Think of it this way. A pelvic exam is like a doctor walking through your entire room. They're generally checking to see if everything is in order, if there's anything broken or wrong.
A Pap test is like taking a small sample of dust from a chair in the room and looking at it under a microscope to see if there's anything wrong. A Pap test takes a small sample of cells from your cervix and checks them for cancerous cells or changes that could turn into cancer.
That means, a Pap test is not done with every pelvic exam. But every time a Pap test is done, a pelvic exam is also done at the same time.
Why is it important for me to take this test?
This is an important part of your routine health checkup. It can also help find the cause of symptoms like lower abdominal pain or unusual vaginal bleeding. It is usually recommended to have this test after age 21. After that, you may need to have it every year or every few years, as directed by your doctor.
Your doctor may also recommend this test for you in the following cases:
| Reasons why the test may be needed | Description |
|---|---|
| Family cancer history | If anyone in your family has had ovarian cancer or cervical cancer. |
| Abnormal Pap test results | If you had an abnormal Pap test or if you have an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. |
| Pain | If you experience lower abdominal pain or pain during sex. |
| Abnormal discharge | If you have a discharge from your vagina that is different than usual, has a different odor, or is a strange color. |
| Irregular bleeding | If you have bleeding during or after your period. |
| Other problems | If there is a suspicion of uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. |
| Infections | If there is a suspicion of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other infections. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, this will be done at your first medical check-up. |
| Family planning methods | Before a birth control method, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), is inserted into the vagina. |
How should I prepare before the test?
There's no need to prepare much for this. It's very simple.
- Period: If you are having your period on the day of the test, your doctor may ask you to reschedule the test. So, it's a good idea to call ahead of time if that's the case.
- 24 hours before: Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for 24 hours before the test. This means avoiding having sex, using tampons, or using vaginal creams. These things can affect the test results.
- Go to the bathroom: Go to the bathroom and urinate before the test. Sometimes the doctor may ask for a urine sample.
If this is your first test, keep this in mind:
It's very normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you go for a test like this for the first time. You don't know what's going to happen.
- Choose a doctor you trust: Choose a male or female doctor who you feel comfortable talking to and trust. Some people prefer to go to a female doctor. That's entirely up to you.
- Tell them in advance: When you call to make an appointment and when you meet the doctor, tell them that this is your first test. They will explain everything to you in a way that you can understand and make the test as comfortable as possible.
What happens during the test? Will it hurt?
First of all, this test takes about 10 minutes .
You may feel some discomfort, like pressure, but it should not be painful. Breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles can help reduce this discomfort. If you feel any pain, tell your doctor right away.
Let's see how the test is done step by step.
| Steps of the test | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| 1. Conversation and preparation | The doctor will ask you about your health, your menstrual cycle, and any problems you may be having. Then, you will be given a separate area to change into, a gown, and a sheet to cover yourself with. You will lie down on the examination table with your legs in stirrups. |
| 2. External Exam | The doctor will visually examine your vulva and the area around your vaginal opening, looking for signs of infection, swelling, or other abnormalities. |
| 3. Speculum Exam | This is where many people get a little scared. The doctor will insert a small instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This is used to slightly separate the walls of your vagina and allow you to see your cervix clearly. This will feel a little pressure, but it shouldn't be painful. If you feel any pain, let them know so the doctor can adjust it. If you're doing a Pap test, this is the time to do it. |
| 4. Manual Exam | After removing the speculum, the doctor will insert one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and gently press on your lower abdomen with the other hand. This will check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries, and check for any lumps or bumps. |
How am I relaxed?
- Breathe deeply: Take slow, deep breaths, and exhale slowly. This will relax your body.
- Relax your body: Intentionally relax the muscles in your shoulders, stomach, and legs.
- Ask the doctor: When you're having the test, ask the doctor, "What's going to happen now?" That way, you won't feel unnecessarily scared.
- You can stop at any time: Remember, you have the right to ask to stop the test at any time if you are uncomfortable.
What happens after the test?
You can go home normally after the test. Sometimes there may be very little bleeding, like a few drops of blood. This is normal. But if you have heavy bleeding or severe pain, call your doctor right away.
The doctor will tell you what they see right away during the exam. But if you had a Pap test or other test, it will take a few days for the results to come back.
This test can detect many conditions early, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Therefore, its benefits are very high.
Take-Home Message
- A pelvic exam is a very important and safe test to protect your reproductive health.
- It's normal to feel scared and embarrassed about this, but don't make it a bigger issue than your health.
- If you feel any pain during the test, tell the doctor right away . You don't want to feel uncomfortable.
- This is the best time to talk to your doctor about any questions you have, whether they are about sexual health or birth control.
- By getting this test done regularly at the intervals recommended by your doctor, you can protect yourself from serious illnesses.
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