{"id":720,"date":"2026-01-26T11:54:48","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T11:54:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/?p=720"},"modified":"2026-04-08T22:44:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T22:44:02","slug":"what-to-expect-during-a-pelvic-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/what-to-expect-during-a-pelvic-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Expect During a Pelvic Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"90\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1550, 1950, 2350, 2750, 3150, 3550, 3950]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">A pelvic exam, also called an internal exam, is an exam of your pelvic region, which includes your vulva, vagina, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and rectum.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">A gynecologist, OB-GYN, or certified midwife performs this test to check the health of your reproductive organs. They may also perform this test during routine gynecological procedures, such as pap smears.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\">Purpose of Pelvic Exams<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Pelvic exams are tools that can be used as part of gynecological care. Not everyone needs a pelvic exam every time they visit their provider. However, these exams can be useful in certain circumstances and can help diagnose certain symptoms and conditions, including:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Abnormal bleeding<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal discharge<\/li>\n<li>Pelvic pain<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.com\/condition\/sexual-health\/pelvic-floor-exercises-painful-sex\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Painful intercourse<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Abnormal masses, both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous)<\/li>\n<li>Cysts<\/li>\n<li>Polyps<\/li>\n<li>Fibroids<\/li>\n<li>Anatomical differences<\/li>\n<li>Pelvic infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">While pelvic exams can help diagnose many issues, there are certain instances where a pelvic exam is not necessary. For example, you don\u2019t need a pelvic exam to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or get most forms of birth control.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Experts recommend against adolescents getting pelvic exams during their first gynecological visit unless they have a symptom that needs to be examined.<span class=\"mntl-inline-citation mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger\" tabindex=\"0\" data-id=\"#citation-3\">3<\/span>\u00a0People who are not pregnant or are not having health concerns also do not need routine pelvic exams.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\">Preparation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Pelvic exams usually take place in your healthcare provider\u2019s office. This is an outpatient procedure and usually only lasts a few minutes. You don\u2019t have to dress in any particular manner for your appointment, but wearing clothes you can easily remove can be helpful, as you will have to change out of your clothes and into a hospital gown or sheet.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">You don\u2019t have to eat differently before a pelvic exam or avoid medications. A full bladder during the exam can be uncomfortable, so peeing beforehand can help. Many people prefer not to have this exam during the heavy days of their period. However, you can still get a pelvic exam while on your period.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Bring your insurance card, ID, and any other information your provider requests to your appointment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Support<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">If you are uncomfortable doing the exam alone, you can bring a friend, partner, or family member with you during the procedure. This may be especially important for people who are survivors of sexual abuse or sexual violence. You may also want to consider telling your provider beforehand if you have this history and may find the exam triggering.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Some people with gender dysphoria, or psychological distress from their assigned sex at birth not matching their gender identity, may also find the exam triggering.<span class=\"mntl-inline-citation mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger\" tabindex=\"0\" data-id=\"#citation-9\">6<\/span>\u00a0If you have gender dysphoria, consider writing down your pronouns and which terms you prefer to describe your body to discuss with the provider. For example, some people prefer the term &#8220;bottom exam.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">If you have any concerns about the exam, you can discuss them beforehand with your provider. They can describe how the exam will proceed and what to expect. Consider bringing a list of questions with you to the appointment. You can request that your provider tell you before they perform each step of the exam and that they ask permission before touching you.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\">How Does It Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Pelvic exams are brief procedures. They usually occur during your gynecological visit, especially if your provider performs tests like pap smears. In addition to a pelvic exam, your provider may ask about your medical history, your menstrual cycle, and other symptoms you are having. They may also perform a breast or chest exam, test for STIs, and discuss birth control options.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">During the Test<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">To begin your pelvic exam, your provider will ask you to lie on the exam table and put your feet in stirrups. This will keep your feet lifted and help you stay in position during the exam.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">You can expect the following during your pelvic exam:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Your provider will start by examining your vulva and other external genitalia.<\/li>\n<li>Using lubrication, they will insert a tool called a speculum inside of your vagina, which keeps the vaginal walls open.<\/li>\n<li>While the speculum is in place, your provider may use a small light to see the sides of your vagina and cervix.<\/li>\n<li>If you are getting a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.com\/pelvic-exam-8681689\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">pap smear<\/a>\u00a0or human papillomavirus (HPV) test, the provider will use a brush tool to remove cells from your cervix for examination. This may feel moderately uncomfortable. Your provider may take samples of your discharge to check for infections.<\/li>\n<li>After removing the speculum, your provider may do a digital (finger) pelvis exam. They will insert a gloved finger or two inside your vagina to briefly examine your pelvic area. They may push their gloved fingers upward toward your cervix while their other hand gently presses on your belly to examine your uterus and ovaries.<\/li>\n<li>Less commonly, your provider may need to examine your rectum as part of a pelvic exam. This involves inserting one gloved finger in your vagina and another finger in your rectum (the lowest part of your small intestine, just above your anus).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">You can ask your provider to explain each step as they move through the procedure. If you feel discomfort, let them know.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">After the Test\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">After your pelvic exam, your provider may discuss anything they observed during the exam and will discuss the next steps with you if any are needed. You will be free to go home after the exam. It\u2019s common sometimes to have light bleeding after a pap smear, but this should end soon after. You may also need to clean up any lubrication applied during the exam.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\">Risks and Precautions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Pelvic exams don\u2019t have many physical risks. You might experience slight pain and discomfort after the pap smear portion of a pelvic exam, but this is temporary and not harmful.<span class=\"mntl-inline-citation mntl-dynamic-tooltip--trigger\" tabindex=\"0\" data-id=\"#citation-7\">8<\/span>\u00a0You may feel discomfort when the speculum is inserted or during the digital portion of the exam. However, this should not be painful. If it is, alert your provider right away.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">A common concern about pelvic exams is that they can cause stress, anxiety, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.com\/condition\/anxiety\/12-signs-you-may-have-an-anxiety-disorder\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">embarrassment<\/a>. This may be especially true for your first exam or if you aren\u2019t comfortable with your provider. People who have a history of sexual abuse may find pelvic exams triggering. If you ever feel uncomfortable during an exam, you can ask your provider to stop at any point.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">It\u2019s important to find a provider you feel comfortable with and to discuss your feelings about the exam as honestly as possible.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\">Results<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Your provider will usually be able to tell you right away if they found any concerns during your pelvic exam, such as anatomical abnormalities, masses, fibroids, cysts, polyps, or signs of infections.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">However, if they took samples to test, you likely won&#8217;t know the results at your appointment. It can take about 1-2 weeks to get the results of a pap smear.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Interpreting Your Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_57-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">If your provider has any concerns about what they observed during your pelvic exam, they may recommend that you seek further testing, such as an ultrasound or biopsy. They may also take a sample of your vaginal discharge for testing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_59-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Pap smears and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.com\/hpv-overview-7377742\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">HPV<\/a>\u00a0testing results will return in a few weeks, and you will be alerted about them.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_61-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">You will typically receive one of the below pap smear results:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_63-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Normal:\u00a0<\/strong>This result indicates no abnormal cell changes on your cervix.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unclear:<\/strong>\u00a0This result means there are possible signs of abnormal cells, but it\u2019s unclear if these are related to standard changes like pregnancy or menopause, if they are a sign of an infection, or if they indicate an HPV infection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Abnormal:<\/strong>\u00a0This result means that abnormal cell changes were found on your cervix, which may have been caused by HPV. These changes may or may not develop into cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_64-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_65-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block healthdotcom-sc-block-followgoogleinline mntl-sc-block-followgoogleinline\">\n<div class=\"mntl-sc-block-followgoogleinline__content\">\n<div class=\"mntl-sc-block-followgoogleinline__heading\">If you are under the age of 30 and your pap smear results come back as unclear or abnormal, your provider will likely recommend getting an HPV test. If you are over the age of 30, experts typically recommend getting an HPV test along with a pap smear before waiting for pap results. HPV tests look for signs of an HPV infection. Test results can be either:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_69-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Negative:\u00a0<\/strong>You don\u2019t have an HPV infection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Positive:<\/strong>\u00a0You have an HPV infection, which may increase your risk of cervical cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"healthdotcom-taglines_1-0\" class=\"comp healthdotcom-taglines mntl-taglines type-label--lg\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A pelvic exam, also called an internal exam, is an exam of your pelvic region, which includes your vulva, vagina, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and rectum. A gynecologist, OB-GYN, or certified midwife performs this test to check the health of your reproductive organs. They may also perform this test during routine gynecological procedures, such as pap [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=720"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/720\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":723,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/720\/revisions\/723"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}