What You Can Expect
Every woman’s examination is going to be a little different. But at least three things will happen:
Physical Examination
Your doctor will measure your height, weight and blood pressure. You can also expect to undergo a clinical breast examination (BSE) and a pelvic check. If you’re sexually active, this will also include a Pap smear test.
Pelvic Examination
This is the part that most women get nervous about. It might help to remember that an annual pelvic exam is an essential part of managing reproductive health.
During the exam, your doctor will assess:
- The external genital area for unusual skin conditions or fluids.
- The inside of the vagina. Your doctor will use a speculum to gently ease aside the vaginal walls so the cervix can be examined. For the Pap test, your doctor will take a swab of cells to check for unusual cell growth and STDs.
- The general condition of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. To do this, your doctor will insert two lubricated fingers into the vaginal opening while lightly massaging the abdomen.
The entire physical exam will only take a couple of minutes.
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