A pelvic exam is a way for doctors to look for signs of illness in organs in a woman's body. The word "pelvic" refers to the pelvis. The exam is used to look at a woman's:

• Vulva (external genital organs)
• Uterus (the womb)
• Cervix (opening from the vagina to the uterus)
• Fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs to the womb)
• Ovaries (organs that produce eggs)
• Bladder (the sac that holds urine)
• Rectum (the chamber that connects the colon to the anus)

When Are Pelvic Exams Done?

Pelvic exams are performed:

• During a yearly physical exam.
• When a woman is pregnant.
• When a doctor is checking for an infection (such as chlamydia, vaginosis, trichomoniasis and others).
• When a woman is having pain in her pelvic area or low back.

Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for the Exam?

You do not have to do anything special to get ready for the exam. When you arrive at the office, your doctor may ask if you need to use the bathroom. This question is asked so that you can stay comfortable during the exam. Sometimes, a urine sample is requested.