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A pelvic examination is a complete physical exam of a woman's pelvic
organs camera by a health professional. A pelvic exam helps a health
professional evaluate the size and position of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and
ovaries. It is an important part of preventive health care for all adult women.
A pelvic exam is done to help detect certain cancers in their early stages,
infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or other reproductive system
problems.
Click here to take survey about your first pelvic exam.
Why It Is Done
A pelvic exam may be done:
* As part of a woman's regular physical checkup. A Pap test may be done
during the pelvic exam. For more information, see the medical test Pap Test.
* To detect vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial
vaginosis.
* To help detect sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia,
herpes, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or human papillomavirus (HPV).
* To help determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
* To evaluate pelvic organ abnormalities, such as uterine fibroids, ovarian
cysts, or uterine prolapse.
* To evaluate abdominal or pelvic pain.
* Before prescribing a method of birth control (contraception). Some methods
of birth control, such as a diaphragm or intrauterine device, require a pelvic
exam to make sure the device fits properly.
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