What is a pelvic exam? Conditions detected, Full Body Checkup

November 24, 2023 Full Body Check-up 118 Views

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What is a pelvic exam? 

A pelvic exam is a physical examination of a woman’s pelvic organs, which include the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is a routine part of women’s healthcare and is often performed by gynecologists or other healthcare providers.

During a pelvic exam, the healthcare provider may perform the following steps:

  • External Examination: The healthcare provider may start by examining the external genitalia, checking for any abnormalities, such as lumps or sores.
  • Speculum Exam: A speculum, a metal or plastic instrument, is used to gently separate the vaginal walls, allowing the healthcare provider to view the cervix. The speculum may be warmed and lubricated to make it more comfortable for the patient.
  • Pap Smear: During the speculum exam, a sample of cells may be collected from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to check for abnormalities, including signs of cervical cancer or infection.
  • Bimanual Exam: The healthcare provider may insert one or two gloved fingers into the vagina while pressing on the abdomen with the other hand. This allows them to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries.

Pelvic exam is often a crucial part of preventive healthcare for women, and they are used to screen for various conditions, such as cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other gynaecological issues. 

The frequency of pelvic exams may vary depending on factors such as age, medical history, and individual health needs. 

What diseases are detected with pelvic examination?

A pelvic exam can help detect a variety of conditions and diseases related to the female reproductive system. 

Some of the key conditions that can be detected or screened for during a pelvic exam include:

  • Cervical Cancer: A Pap smear, which is often performed as part of a pelvic examination, is a screening test for cervical cancer. It helps detect abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that may indicate the presence of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. ( Know more about- What is Cervical Cancer ? )
  • Ovarian Cancer: While not as easily detected as cervical cancer, certain aspects of a pelvic examination, such as the bimanual exam, may provide information about the ovaries. However, additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound, are often used for a more comprehensive evaluation of the ovaries.
  • Uterine Conditions: The bimanual exam can help assess the size, shape, and position of the uterus. This information can be useful in detecting conditions such as uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus, or abnormalities in the uterus.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): During a pelvic examination, healthcare providers may visually inspect for signs of sexually transmitted infections, such as genital warts or lesions. Additionally, laboratory tests may be conducted to check for infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. ( Know more about- What is Sexually Transmitted Diseases? )
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections. Pelvic examinations and associated tests can help diagnose PID and guide appropriate treatment.
  • Vaginal Infections: A pelvic examination allows healthcare providers to identify and diagnose common vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
  • Endometriosis: While not definitively diagnosed through a pelvic examination alone, certain symptoms and findings during the exam may suggest the presence of endometriosis. Diagnosis often requires additional imaging studies or minimally invasive procedures.

Note that the pelvic exam is just one component of women’s healthcare, and healthcare providers may use a combination of exams, tests, and imaging studies to thoroughly assess a person’s reproductive health. 

Is pelvic examination done routinely with full body checkups ?

Routine full-body checkups, often referred to as general health checkups or annual physical exams, typically focus on assessing overall health, checking vital signs, and screening for common health issues. While these checkups may include elements such as blood pressure measurement, cholesterol screening, and blood tests, they may not always include a pelvic exam.

The inclusion of a pelvic exam in a routine checkup depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, medical history, and specific healthcare needs. In many cases, healthcare providers tailor the components of a checkup to the individual’s health status and risk factors.

For women, pelvic exams are often part of routine gynecological care, and they may be recommended at certain intervals or based on specific health concerns. The Pap smear, which is often performed during a pelvic exam, is a routine screening test for cervical cancer and is typically recommended at regular intervals depending on age and previous Pap smear results. Book appointments for full body checkups at H N Reliance Hospital Mumbai, to get pelvic scans and other female health tests done today. 


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