Are they different or pretty much the samething? Thanks!
2007-02-24 11:38:07 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
A pap smear is simply one test performed during a pelvic exam. It is a sample of cervical tissue placed onto a slide and sent to a lab to test for precancerous cells.
The pelvic includes the pap and a general exam of both internal reproductive organs and external genitalia for signs of problems or disease. The doctor will insert his/her fingers into the vagina, take his/her other hand and press on the abdomen to feel the ovaries, uterus, etc.
But when making an appointment with the doctor's office, if you say you need to schedule your annual pap, they will automatically assume the pelvic exam or vice versa. The terms are often used interchangeably.
2007-02-24 20:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by Beni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the pelvic exam and the pap smear are two different things.
The pap smear is where they take some cells from your cervix to see if they are normal looking or not. It's a screening for cervical cancer.
The pelvic exam itself (which includes the bimanual exam, in particular when one is having their annual check up with the gyn for example) is to actually feel the organs to see if there are masses or if they are normally sized or have changed in size.
2007-02-24 23:08:40 · answer #2 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A pap smear is just one of many things that happens during a complete pelvic exam.
Here is more complete info on what a pelvic exam involves:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9103/24371/211944.html?d=dmtContent
2007-02-24 11:57:47 · answer #3 · answered by EQ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋