Women only... help!?
Answers:
A pelvic exam is basically what is known as a "pap smear." It is usually done by gynecologists, but also may be done by primary care doctors.
They examine your vaginal area by opening it up with special tools. It does not usually hurt, but it can be uncomfortable. They scrape your cervix (bottom of your uterus) with a tool like a "pipe cleaner."
It sounds like you are young...maybe you should talk to a trusted adult that can go with you to the exam or talk with you about it in more detail.
Just make sure to relax. What will happen is that you'll change into a gown. The doctor will come in and you'll put your feet in stirrups so that your legs are apart. She'll use a tool to open your cervix (I know it sounds gross but it's not). As long as you stay relaxed it won't be painful. If you clench, it will hurt. Be sure to pee before going in, and then when she opens your cervix, do the thing you do when you pee and your muscles will be relaxed. She'll then take a sample of your uterus to send to a lab to check for cancer. Then she'll put 1-2 fingers in your vagina and check for any cysts on your ovaries. Then you're all done!
I know the first one is scary but after a few you get used to it. Be open with your doctor, she has to keep everything that you two talk about confidential.
Oh, and just so you know, a nurse will be present during the procedure to make sure nothing "funny" happens.
A pelvic exam is when your doctor or nurse practitioner inserts a speculum into your vagina which allows them to open it up enough to see your cervix and take some swabs of samples to see if there are any abnormal cells. It can be uncomfortable because of the pressure but you definately have to relax your muscles. Let the person doing it know that you are extremely nervous and this is your first one, then they will know to be very patient and gentle and teach you how to relax, because that is the biggest thing! After the speculum exam they usually do an internal and insert their 2 fingers into the vagina and feel for your ovaries while pressing on your abdomen to check for any abnormalities. It should be fairly quick - 15 minutes should be all they need
It shouldn't hurt, you will feel pressure and it will feel uncomfortable
You've got some great answers and advice so far.
My only suggestion is to ask the Dr to use a child size speculum. If this is your first pelvic exam the Dr probably will use a smaller one but it would be wise to mention it to him/her anyway.
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