Vaginal examination

Vaginal examination (also known as a pelvic examination) is a physical examination of the female reproductive system. It is a common procedure in gynecology and is often performed to assess the health of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

Procedure

The vaginal examination typically involves three parts: the external examination, the speculum examination, and the bimanual examination.

External Examination

The external examination involves a visual and physical examination of the vulva. The healthcare provider looks for signs of infection, irritation, or abnormal growths.

Speculum Examination

The speculum examination involves the insertion of a speculum into the vagina. This allows the healthcare provider to visually examine the vagina and cervix. During this part of the examination, a Pap smear may be performed to screen for cervical cancer.

Bimanual Examination

The bimanual examination involves the healthcare provider inserting two fingers into the vagina while pressing on the abdomen with the other hand. This allows the healthcare provider to physically examine the uterus and ovaries.

Indications

Vaginal examinations are performed for a variety of reasons, including routine health screenings, pregnancy check-ups, and investigation of symptoms such as pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding.

Risks and Considerations

While generally considered safe, vaginal examinations can cause discomfort or embarrassment for some patients. There is also a small risk of infection. Informed consent should always be obtained before the procedure.

See Also

• Gynecology
• Pap smear
• Pelvic pain