Pelvic Exams: What to Expect and Who Needs Them

A pelvic exam is a physical exam of the organs around your pelvis. Pelvic exams are part of routine preventive care to look for any signs of disease.

If you're having pain or bleeding in your pelvic area, you might also have a pelvic exam.

Pelvic exams are usually done by gynecologists and sometimes done by primary care providers during your annual wellness exam.

What Is a Pelvic Exam?

A pelvic exam checks the health of your reproductive organs and looks for signs of:

• Cancer.
• Infection.
• Inflammation.
• Skin changes.

What are the four parts of a pelvic exam?

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will:

1. Visually inspect your external genitals, such as your vulva. They're checking for any signs of infection or other problems.
2. Insert a speculum into your vagina. This is a small tool that keeps the walls of your vagina open. It helps the doctor better examine your vagina and cervix. If you're due for a Pap smear (a quick scrape of cells from your cervix), they'll do it during the exam.
3. Do a digital exam. Your doctor will insert one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and push toward your cervix. They'll put the other hand on your abdomen and press lightly. This helps them feel your ovaries and uterus.
4. Do a rectovaginal exam. Your doctor may or may not do this exam, which helps check for signs of cancer. They'll put one gloved finger in your vagina and the other in your rectum.

Who should get a pelvic exam?

You should talk to your doctor to find out if you need a pelvic exam.

Your doctor will likely do a pelvic exam if you're having:

• Pelvic pain
• Unusual bleeding
• Vaginal discharge

Pelvic exams are a routine part of prenatal care.

Most people under the age of 21 and not pregnant do not need an exam as part of routine care.

Women over the age of 65 generally don't need pelvic exams but always ask your doctor.

Always make sure you have a doctor who understands the care you need.

Does a pelvic exam hurt?

As a rule, a pelvic exam should not hurt. It may be uncomfortable or strange, especially if it's your first one.

Let your doctor know right away if you feel any pain during the exam.

Do I need a pelvic exam every year?

This may vary based on your age or other health conditions. UPMC recommends yearly pelvic exams.

Pelvic exams often happen at the same time as Pap smears. Ask your doctor how often you should have a Pap smear.

What Are the Benefits of Routine Pelvic Exams?

Your pelvic health is as vital as any other aspect of your health.

Routine pelvic exams can help:

• Catch treatable problems, such as infections.
• Diagnose issues that cause pelvic pain.
• Detect cancer.
• Safeguard your sexual and reproductive health.

Seeing your ob-gyn for a yearly well visit is also crucial. This is a chance to talk about sex, sexual health, birth control, and pregnancy.

What Should I Expect Before, During, and After a Pelvic Exam?

Before a pelvic exam

You don't need to do anything to prepare for a pelvic exam.

Your doctor or a nurse will give you a sheet or gown and leave the room so you can undress.

A breast exam is also part of your annual wellness visit and will usually occur before or after your pelvic exam.

During the breast exam, your provider will examine your breasts for:

• Lumps.
• Skin changes.
• Anything abnormal.

You may also spend time talking to your doctor before or after the exam.

What happens during a pelvic exam?

The doctor will ask you to lie on a special exam table with stirrups for your feet.

First, the doctor will check your vulva (your external genitals).

Then they'll check your internal reproductive organs, including your:

• Vagina
• Cervix
• Uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Ovaries

To better see your vagina and cervix, they'll insert a speculum. This is a non-sharp metal or plastic device that holds the walls of your vagina open.

If you're getting a Pap smear, it happens at this stage of the exam.

Last, your doctor will insert one or two gloved fingers in your vagina to feel your uterus and ovaries. They'll use the other hand to push on your belly from the outside. They're looking for areas that are tender or feel abnormal in some way.

It's common for a nurse or medical assistant to be in the room with the doctor or provider. If there isn't, you can ask for one.

You can also ask your friend, partner, or family member to be in the room with you.

Or you can ask that no one else but your provider is in the room.

How long does a pelvic exam take?

A pelvic exam should only take 5 to 10 minutes.

After a pelvic exam

After your exam, your doctor will leave the room, and you can get dressed. Depending on what you discussed before or during your exam, they may want to talk to you after the exam. Or you may be free to go — they'll let you know.

You shouldn't have any pain after a pelvic exam. Some people have very light bleeding. If you have heavy bleeding, cramping, or pain after your pelvic exam, contact your doctor.

If you had a Pap smear during the exam, you'll usually get the results in a few days.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.