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Information Sheet on Pelvic Exams

10 Things You Need to Know About Pelvic Exams

From Tina Kells

  1. You should have your first pelvic exam with in one year of your first period, or as soon as you become sexually active.
  2. It doesn't matter if your doctor is male or female, although many girls (understandable) claim they feel more relaxed with a woman doctor.
  3. When you have the exam you will have to be naked from the waist down; you will be given a cloth to drape over yourself, will be told to lie down and put your feet up in special stirups, and will have to spread your legs apart - most women find it very uncomfortable although not especially painful.
  4. The doctor will produce a terrible looking metal contraption called a "speculum" which looks MUCH scarier than it is, the speculum will be inserted in to your vaginal opening, swabs will be taken and the doctor will "feel inside" to make sure everything is OK - TIP: ask your doctor to warm the speculum under hot water before inserting it to make it more comfortable.
  5. Your should try to relax as being tense makes the experience more unpleasant; take a deep breath and then exhale normally, do not tense your stomach muscles or tighten your legs - again, it is not very painful but it is uncomfortable.
  6. The most "painful" part is when the swabs (Pap Smears) are taken as some are taken from the cervix, a very sensitive part of the female internal reproductive tract - the cervix is as sensitive as the male testicles.
  7. If the experience is VERY painful (think twisted ankle or stubbed toe) you should tell your doctor as it could mean something is wrong such as vaginal scarring, endometritis, or (in sexually active girls) pregnancy or STD.
  8. A doctor can "feel" a pregnancy during a pelvic exam as early as 5 weeks and can tell almost immediately if there is something seriously wrong requiring further tests.
  9. There is NO GOOD REASON for a doctor to touch your clitoris (not bump it, I mean really touch it) or to induce orgasm during a pelvic exam - if your doctor does this tell your parents.
  10. Pelvic exams are for the most part unpleasant but not painful, they are a very important part of reproductive health and over all physical shape and should be a regular part of your life once you become sexually active - try not to dread them , they do get to be easier to handle as you get used to them and start to know what to expect.

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