Pelvic Exam
Hear this word Pelvic Exam
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What Is It?
A brief process during a health care appointment where a gynecologist checks body parts in the pelvic area for changes or anything that needs more medical attention. These body parts include the vulva, ovaries, cervix, uterus, and vagina. Pelvic exams usually start when people with uteruses turn 21.
The steps of a pelvic exam
An Example
Wila asks the gynecologist to tell them exactly what they are going to do during each part of the pelvic exam before they do it. Wila makes this request in order to feel more comfortable during the pelvic exam.
Experiencing a pelvic exam
What to Know
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- During a pelvic exam, a health care provider will check the uterus from the outside by pressing on the belly and from the inside of the body by putting on gloves and using fingers to enter vagina. If a person feels uncomfortable at any point during the exam, they can tell the health care provider to stop.
- Pelvic exams may also include other tests like an HPV test or in other cases, a pap smear. A health care provider may use a small brush on the surface of the cervix to test the cervix tissue for anything unusual.
Think about
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What are some ways to stay calm or to relax during a pelvic exam?
- Bring any questions to the visit and ask them before the pelvic exam.
- Ask the health care provider to explain everything they are doing and why they are doing it.
- Take deep breaths during the exam.
What can a person say or do during a pelvic exam if they feel uncomfortable?
- “Stop.”
- “The feels uncomfortable. Stop.”