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healthline.com or web.md are links to pictures of a pelvic exam. What is involved is you lie on an examination table and slide so the bottom of your but cheeks hang off the table. You put your heels in stirrups, metal heel holders built off the table. The doctor sits on a stool at the end of the table. He visually evaluates the visible vulva area, then feels various areas of the labia and glands just inside the opening. He then gently introduces a plastic or metal speculum into the vaginal opening. This will hold the opening open so he can look and inspect the uterus and inside of the vagnia. It also allows the collection of samples for the "pap smear" or to culture. Using a swab or brush, they scrape your cervix opening and any discharge and send it to a lab to grow. Then they remove the speculum and insert two lubricated gloved fingers into the vagina and with the other hand push on the outside to feel the ovaries between their two hands. The next part is called the recto-vaginal. The doctor inserts a lubricated finger in the vagina and a second finger in the rectum at the same time, allowing him to evaluate the tissue between the two. Finally, the doctor inserts a single finger only into the rectum and feels around. This typically takes only a few moments. Then it's over. You will need paper towles to wipe up because they use lubricant on their gloved hand and speculum. During the procedure, take slow deep breaths to minimize the discomfort. Some doctors skip the recto-vaginal and the rectal part of the exam to save time or because of patient embarrassment, even though medical textbooks say it is an important part of the exam.
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Are there any precautions for a pelvic exam?
Pelvic examinations are safe procedures, thus no precautions are necessary.
What is an abnormal pelvic exam?
your doctor might recommend a pelvic exam if you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain. Your doctor checks your vulv, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any abnormalities. A Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, is often performed during a pelvic exam.
How does the pelvic exam begin?
The examination begins by checking the external genitalia for any sores or irregularities.
Will they give you a pelvic exam at your 29 year old check up?
I really hope so. Every woman who is sexually active or who has ever engaged in any sexual act involving the vagina needs to have an annual pelvic exam. You need to check for cervical cancer. It is the single most preventable cancer. If you do not receive one they are doing you a disservice. Relax its not that bad doctors don't get squeemish.
How should women who take hormone replacements be monitored?
should have an annual mammogram, breast exam, and pelvic exam and should report any unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting (a sign of possible uterine cancer).
What evaluations will a woman have who is experiencing menstrual irregularities have?
Depending on the problem, various tests and procedures will be performed, but the one common to any menstrual problem is a pelvic exam.
What are normal results for a pelvic exam?
The external and internal genitalia will be free of any lesions, abnormal discharge with no abnormal masses or tenderness upon palpation. The Pap smear will be normal.
What does a physical therapist do during pelvic floor dysfunction therapy?
A physical therapist who is trained in disorders of the pelvic floor will first have a consultation with the patient to determine the nature of the patients complaint. A common diagnosis seen by a pelvic floor physical therapist is urinary or fecal incontinence. They also treat a variety of pelvic pain disorders and many treat both men and women. There will likely be an external evaluation of the spine, hips and legs including flexibility, strength and muscle tone. This usually is followed by an internal pelvic exam performed vaginally or rectally on a female - depending on the diagnosis or rectally for a male. The internal exam is necessary to evaluate strength of the pelvic floor as well as to identify any tender or trigger points in the pelvic muscle that may be contributing to the patient's pain or condition. If the condition identified is a weakness, the therapist will prescribe certain exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor. If the condition is pain due to a tight pelvic floor or a trigger point in the pelvic floor, the therapist will do soft tissue massage, myofascial release or trigger point release on the pelvic floor internally as well as address any tight or painful muscle extenally along the hips, back, or abdomen.
Is it OK to be naked for a pelvic exam?
No. Any professional physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner would require a gown (even if it's a skimpy medical gown). This attire is considered the minimum, in the medical field, in order that proper boundaries are maintained. After all, a pelvic exam is a medical procedure. (Even though the patient might feel perfectly comfortable while naked, the medical provider must still follow the regulations of his/her profession.)
Can you never have a pelvic exam?
Well if you never get pregnant or have any other problems or never get on the pill etc I guess you can. But the risk is that you will get something like when older and then there might be too late. Pap smears save lives.
What are artery drains the pelvic organs?
Arteries don't drain the pelvic organs, any other organs, or any tissue in the body. Veins drain.
Why can't cervix be found on pelvic exam?
My first thought is a Tipped uterus? You or your Health care provider (HCP) should be able to locate the cervix, provided you haven't had any major cervical surgeries or a complete hysterectomy. It may just be way in the back. Depending on where you are in your cycle, it may feel hard like the end of your nose, or soft like your lips when you are fertile. When at your HCP's office for that annual pelvic exam, try lying with your fists between your bum and the exam table to get more of a tipped angle for your HCP to get to the cervix. Hope this helps.
