What and Why?
Three years after a woman begins having sex or reaches age 21, she needs a regular pelvic exam.  If a woman has problems, a pelvic exam may be needed sooner. During the exam, a health care provider checks the reproductive organs. A pelvic exam is done to:  

• check the health of the sex organs
• describe, prescribe and/or insert birth control methods
• check for vaginal infections or STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• determine pregnancy or miscarriage
• screen for cervical cancer, which can be cured if found early

Does the exam hurt?
No. It may be a little uncomfortable, usually from pressure. The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable the exam is. If you are nervous, close your eyes and take deep breaths.

What happens during the exam?
The pelvic exam is simple. You lie down on a table and put your feet into foot rests or “stirrups”.  You spread open your knees and legs. Then your genital area is easier to see.

First, the doctor or nurse practitioner puts on gloves and checks your vulva (outside sex organs) for any growths or rashes. Be sure to say if you’ve noticed anything unusual.

Next is the speculum exam. A speculum is a metal or plastic instrument. It spreads the walls of the vagina so your cervix (the opening to the uterus) can be seen. The clinician slowly and carefully puts the speculum into your vagina. If you need a Pap test, it is done now. Cells are gently rubbed off of your cervix with a cotton swab. The clinician also checks for rashes, redness or anything unusual. If an infection check is needed, the clinician collects discharge from the cervix or walls of the vagina.

Next the doctor or nurse practitioner rubs gel on the fingers of the glove of one hand and puts 1 or 2 fingers into your vagina. With the other hand, s/he gently presses your belly. This checks your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Pressure is normal, but if you feel any discomfort, be sure to say so. If an infection check is needed the clinician collects discharge from the cervix or walls of the vagina.

After the exam and you have dressed, you can talk to the clinician and ask any questions you didn’t ask during the exam.