Just saying the word “Pelvic Exam” makes many women turn away because they think that a pelvic exam is a painful and scary screening method. But in reality, the pelvic exam is very simple, not as painful as you think, and the entire procedure only takes 1-2 minutes.
Ladies need to know “Pelvic Exams” can help screen for cervical cancer
Pelvic Exams are a screening method that involves checking the reproductive organs both internally and externally to ensure that the ovaries, vagina, and reproductive organs are normal. It is used to detect tumors and analyze the size of the uterus and ovaries. Doctors usually recommend women aged 30 and above or those who have had sexual intercourse to have regular pelvic exams annually to screen for common diseases in women that often show no symptoms, such as vaginitis, abnormal menstruation, uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, and female reproductive organ cancers.
Pelvic exam methods for cervical cancer screening: 2 ways
- Pelvic exam by collecting cells from the cervix
- Pelvic exam by testing for DNA of cancer-causing viruses (HPV DNA)
Pelvic exam procedure… easy and not as painful as you think
- The doctor asks about your menstrual history and any abnormal symptoms to assess initial conditions.
- You lie on the examination table or stirrups after emptying your bladder.
- The doctor then uses an instrument sized appropriately for your vagina, inserts it into the vagina, and collects cells from the cervix for testing. The exam only takes 1–2 minutes.
- You wait for the pelvic exam results within 2 weeks.
Who should get a pelvic exam?
- Women aged 30 and above should have regular pelvic exams annually.
- Women who have had sexual intercourse should have regular pelvic exams annually.
- Women with a genetic history of cancer or a family history of uterine, ovarian, or vaginal diseases.
Can you have a pelvic exam during menstruation?
Women can have pelvic exams at the Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, at any time. Even if you have recently had sexual intercourse or are menstruating, you can still be screened for cervical cancer using the Liquid Based Cytology method.
Dr. Thanomsiri Satit
Gynecologic Oncology Specialist
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
