Bimanual exam

Bimanual Exam is a physical examination typically performed by gynecologists to check the health of female reproductive organs. It is an integral part of the pelvic examination, and it involves the medical practitioner using both hands to palpate the uterus, ovaries, and other parts of the female reproductive system.

Procedure

The bimanual exam is performed with the patient lying on her back, usually on an examination table. The examiner inserts two fingers of one hand into the vagina while the other hand is placed on the lower abdomen. This allows the examiner to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries, and to detect any abnormalities such as cysts or fibroids.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the bimanual exam is to check the health of the female reproductive organs. It can help detect a variety of conditions, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cysts. It is also used as part of routine gynecological examinations to monitor the health of the reproductive system.

Limitations

While the bimanual exam is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of many gynecological conditions, it has its limitations. It can be uncomfortable or even painful for some patients, and it may not always detect small or early-stage abnormalities. Other diagnostic tools, such as ultrasound, may be used in conjunction with the bimanual exam to provide a more complete picture of the patient's health.

See Also

• Pelvic examination
• Gynecological examination
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovarian cysts