What is a pelvic exam?

Written by Dr. Specialist Stine Andreassen
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, PhD in Obstetrics in 2015 and more than 15 years of clinical practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology

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A pelvic exam is a clinical examination of the female reproductive organs to assess gynecological health, investigate symptoms, and support diagnosis or treatment.

Why should you book a gynecological consultation?

A gynecological consultation is an important part of women's healthcare. Whether you have symptoms that concern you or simply want a routine health check, a consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your health, ask questions, and receive professional guidance.

You may consider booking a consultation if you experience:

• Irregular or painful menstrual periods

• Unusual vaginal bleeding

• Pelvic pain or discomfort

• Changes in vaginal discharge

• Concerns about fertility or family planning

• Symptoms related to menopause

• Questions about contraception

• Follow-up after abnormal screening results

What happens during the appointment?

The appointment will often start with a conversation about your menstrual cycle, symptoms, your medical history, medications, pregnancy history and sexual health.

If a pelvic exam is needed it may include an external examination, a speculum examination to view the vagina and cervix, a cervical screening, and/or a bimanual examination to assess the uterus and ovaries and a vaginal ultrasound.

The exam is usually brief. You may feel pressure, but it should not be painful. If you feel discomfort, you can say so at any time. Your consent is important. You can ask for a pause or decline any part of the exam.

Ultrasound is not always necessary. It may be recommended if you have pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, a suspected ovarian cyst or fibroid, fertility concerns or other symptoms that might be explained by findings on ultrasound. Ultrasound is usually performed transvaginal, due to the quality of the examination.

What if I feel nervous or uncomfortable?

It is completely normal to feel nervous, especially if it is your first visit or if you have had a difficult medical experience in the past. You are allowed to:

• Ask the doctor to explain each step

• Request a smaller speculum

• Ask for a chaperone

• Bring a support person (if clinic policy allows)

• Stop the exam at any time

A gynecology visit should feel respectful and collaborative.

Practical questions many women have before a pelvic exam

Many women have questions about the practical and social aspects of a pelvic exam. If this is your first examination, it is completely normal to wonder what to expect. There is no right or wrong way to behave during the appointment, and healthcare professionals perform these examinations every day. But still many women worry more about the social aspects of the examination than the examination itself, and based on our experience, we have gathered some practical questions and answers here.

Should I remove my socks?

Only if you want to. Many women choose to keep their socks on during the examination, and this is completely normal. If wearing socks helps you feel more comfortable, there is no medical reason to remove them.

Is it okay to talk during the examination?

Yes. Some women prefer to chat throughout the examination, while others prefer silence. Both are completely normal. You can ask questions, share concerns, or simply talk about everyday topics if that helps you feel more relaxed.

Where should I look?

There is no right answer. Some women make eye contact and continue the conversation, while others look at the ceiling or focus on something else in the room. Healthcare professionals do not expect any particular behavior.

Do I need to shave or groom before my appointment?

No. There is no medical requirement to remove pubic hair before a pelvic exam. Healthcare professionals are concerned with your health, not your grooming choices.

What if I feel embarrassed?

Feeling embarrassed is very common, especially during a first examination. Healthcare professionals who perform pelvic exams are trained to conduct these examinations professionally and respectfully. If you feel nervous or uncomfortable, it is always okay to say so.

Can I ask questions while the doctor is examining me?

Absolutely. Many women find it reassuring to understand what is happening during the examination. You can ask the healthcare professional to explain what they are doing and why at any point during the visit.

What if I have my period?

In many cases, you can still attend your appointment. However, this depends on the reason for the visit and the type of examination planned. If you are unsure, contact the clinic before your appointment for advice.

What if I want to stop?

You can ask to pause or stop the examination at any time. Your comfort and consent remain important throughout the appointment. You should never feel pressured to continue if you are uncomfortable.

Related resources

• Learn more about vaginal speculums

• Learn more about the Vega vaginal speculum

• What is a pap smear?

FAQ – Pelvic exam

• What is a pelvic exam?

  A pelvic exam is a medical examination used to assess the health of the female reproductive organs. During the examination, a healthcare professional may examine the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries to investigate symptoms, perform routine screening, or support diagnosis and treatment.

• Why is a pelvic exam performed?

  A pelvic exam may be performed as part of routine preventive care or to investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, or other gynecological concerns. It may also be recommended during pregnancy or follow-up care.

• What happens during a pelvic exam?

  A pelvic exam typically begins with a discussion about symptoms and medical history. Depending on the reason for the visit, the healthcare professional may perform an external examination and, if necessary, an internal examination using a vaginal speculum to examine the cervix and vaginal walls.

• Is a pelvic exam painful?

  Most people experience pressure or mild discomfort rather than pain during a pelvic exam. Individual experiences vary depending on anatomy, the reason for the examination, and personal comfort levels. Healthcare professionals aim to perform the examination as gently and comfortably as possible.

• What is the difference between a pelvic exam and a Pap smear?

  A pelvic exam is a broader examination of the reproductive organs, while a Pap smear is a specific screening test used to collect cells from the cervix. A Pap smear may be performed as part of a pelvic exam, but the two terms are not interchangeable.

• What instruments are used during a pelvic exam?

  Healthcare professionals may use a vaginal speculum to gently open the vaginal canal and allow visual examination of the cervix and vaginal walls. Other examination methods may be used depending on the purpose of the consultation.