When you have a pelvic exam, most doctors take considerable pains to preserve your modesty and dignity. You will first be seen by a nurse, who will take routine vital signs such as your blood pressure and temperature. You will be asked to disrobe (in private), and will be provided with some type of gown or vest for your upper body. You will be provided with a sheet or similar covering with which you can drape your lower body. The nurse will leave while you undress and get settled on the exam table; generally she will knock after a few minutes and ask if you are ready.
When the doctor is ready to do the exam, the nurse will help you move into the proper position for the exam. As the doctor does the exam, you may feel some pressure; it's unlikely that you'll feel any real pain. For the doctor, it's a very impersonal procedure; he/she is not interested in what you look like, but in the structures in your body, and whether they are healthy. In your doctor's mind, your body and anatomy are being compared to the "average" anatomy, to check for any problems.
The instrument used to expand the vaginal canal slightly is called a speculum. It looks big if you're not used to it, but remeber that your vagina is very "stretchy" inside (after all, how else could a baby get out?). The speculum simply separates the walls of the vagina so that the doctor can more easily come into contact with the cervix, which is the lowest portion of the uterus. The doctor may do a Pap smear at this time; this involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix; you might feel a slight twinge from this, but it's very quick. After this part of the exam is finished, the speculum will be removed.
The bi-manual exam means an exam with both hands; the doctor will have two fingers of one hand inside the vagina, and will place the other on your abdomen; s/he will use some pressure on the cervix to move the uterus very slightly. This is done to ascertain the size and position of the uterus, to make sure that those things are within normal limits. The bi-manual exam doesn't hurt, although you may once again feel some pressure, and is simply another way of checking your body's health.
Your doctor may also do a breast exam, which involves moving the flattened hand in a rather circular fashion around each breast to check for lumps. He/she will very likely also squeeze each nipple lightly to check for abnormal discharge (in a woman that is not lactating, there should be no discharge). It is also possible that your doctor will do a brief rectal exam, but not every doctor does this.
At no point does the doctor purposefully touch the clitoris; the doctor should be properly gloved when the exam is done. There should be a female nurse present when the exam is done; if the doctor is female, you can still request a nurse if you wish to have one present.
If at ANY point you feel uncomfortable with something that is going on, do not hesitate to ask questions. It is part of your doctor's job to answer them! I have personally never run into a doctor who was not thoroughly professional in his or her treatment of me, and who was not concerned with my state of mind and modesty.
I hope this helps; once you have experienced a pelvic exam, you will see that it is very straight-forward, with little to worry about.
2006-12-09 10:43:48
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Don't be afraid. It is alright. The gynocologist will be patient and gentle. It will not hurt. You will feel slight pressure. Just tell the gynocologist this is your first time. This is a very necessary exam to maintain good female health. Schedule it once a year.
I am not promoting this birth control device, but Nuvoring has a great website that covers the entire exam process. Log on.
2006-12-09 10:23:05
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answer #2
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answered by Chris 5
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Have you had sex before? If not, it will feel very weird and cold.
Actually, it will feel weird and cold anyways.
The instrument they use is not really big, but it opens up once it's inside you so they can get a better look.
It may pinch a bit and you may have the urge to push it out, just relax and it will all be over soon.
Don't know the Bi-manual exam I'm afraid...but don't be surprised if they check your breasts for lumps, or your Annis for lumps as well.
2006-12-09 10:21:59
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answer #3
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answered by Dolphin lover 4
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This is really nothing to worry about. It should NOT hurt. Just relax and view is just any other examination. And no, instruments are not big. It can only feel unconfortable if you tense up.
If you're really unconfortable, try seeing a female doctor. Personally, I would never go to a male gynocologist. Some things just can't be learned in school, and a vagina is one of them.
2006-12-09 10:27:43
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answer #4
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answered by CJ 3
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If you are a virgin, they will use a pediatric speculum on you - will only hurt a small amount - nothing to worry about. A bimanual exam is when a finger is inserted into the rectum and another into the vagina to see if there are any polyps. Does not hurt. Don't worry about it. And don't be embarrassed. Gynecologists do this every day all day long.
2006-12-09 10:22:24
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answer #5
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answered by unsersmyboy 4
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Everyone is embarassed and self-conscious. I wouldn't worry it's never as bad as we think. It may be a little uncomfortable but it won't actually hurt. Unless the doctor is horrible.
2006-12-09 10:24:59
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answer #6
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answered by rosebud 2
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It will not hurt. It is uncomfortable but don't get embarrassed.
2006-12-09 10:27:53
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answer #7
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answered by Pramod 3
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if ur a viorgin it hurts like hell and otherwise too...
it feels like getting fingered (i am assuming)
2006-12-09 10:20:34
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answer #8
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answered by ◄☯♫ vanitee of vanitees ♫☯► 6
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