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Pelvic exam
A pelvic exam is done to check a woman's pelvic organs.
During the exam, the woman lies on a table on her back, with her knees bent and her feet and legs supported by footrests. The doctor places a metal or plastic device (speculum) into the woman's vagina. The speculum opens up and holds the sides of the vagina apart. This allows the doctor to see the opening to the uterus (cervix) and to collect samples for testing.
The doctor may also check the size and shape of a woman's pelvic organs by placing one or two gloved fingers into the vagina and pressing on the lower abdomen with the other hand. Sometimes this exam involves placing a finger in the vagina and rectum at the same time to feel the structures deeper in the pelvis.
Current as of: February 11, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine & Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine