Pelvic Exams
Comprehensive Pelvic Exams at Legacy Primary Care
A pelvic exam is a vital medical procedure designed to assess the health of a woman's reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Conducted as part of routine gynecological care, this exam helps detect abnormalities, infections, or conditions like cancer. During the procedure, the provider will perform a visual inspection, a speculum examination, and a bimanual examination to thoroughly assess the pelvic area. Regular pelvic exams are crucial for overall reproductive health and can be performed as part of an annual check-up or in response to specific symptoms such as pelvic pain or irregular bleeding.
Routine screenings are essential for your reproductive health with Pelvic Exams at Legacy Primary Care
Pelvic exams are important for identifying potential issues within the pelvic organs, such as infections, abnormal growths, or early signs of cancer. The procedure involves a visual inspection of the genital area, followed by a speculum exam to view the cervix and a bimanual exam to feel the uterus and ovaries for abnormalities. Pelvic exams help detect problems early, enabling prompt treatment and preventing complications. These exams are part of a routine check-up for women and are also performed when specific symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or urinary issues arise. Regular exams help maintain reproductive health and ensure early intervention when necessary.
A pelvic exam is a medical procedure that allows healthcare providers to assess the health of a woman’s reproductive system. It includes a visual inspection of the external genitalia, a speculum exam to examine the cervix, and a bimanual exam to feel the internal pelvic organs. The procedure is essential for detecting abnormalities, infections, or early signs of serious conditions, such as cancer, and helps ensure the reproductive organs are functioning properly.
Pelvic exams are important for routine health screenings and for addressing specific symptoms, such as pelvic pain or irregular bleeding. They help detect potential issues early, such as infections, abnormal growths, or cancer, and ensure that any problems are addressed promptly. Regular pelvic exams are key to maintaining overall reproductive health and preventing complications through early intervention.
During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider will begin with a visual inspection of the genital area to check for any visible abnormalities. A speculum is then gently inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix. Finally, a bimanual exam is performed, where the provider inserts fingers into the vagina while pressing on the abdomen to assess the pelvic organs. The procedure is typically brief and may cause some discomfort, but it is generally not painful.
The frequency of pelvic exams depends on factors such as age, medical history, and any existing symptoms. For most women, a pelvic exam is recommended annually as part of a routine check-up. However, if you are experiencing symptoms like pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or urinary issues, more frequent exams may be necessary. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the appropriate schedule based on your individual health needs.