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Pelvic Exam

Pelvic Exam services offered in Burlington, MA

Pelvic exams focus on the health of a woman’s reproductive system, but your exam may include other services because the specialists at Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. offer comprehensive women’s health care. If you have symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or pain during urination, don’t wait to schedule a pelvic exam. Call the office in Burlington, Massachusetts, or schedule an exam using the online booking feature today.

Pelvic Exam Q & A

When should I have a pelvic exam?

You may need a pelvic exam every year or once every three years. Or you may only need to schedule an exam when symptoms like pelvic pain or vaginal discharge develop.

The schedule that’s best for you depends on your age, gynecological history, and risk factors for diseases like cancer.

What happens during a pelvic exam?

Like all medical checkups, your pelvic exam begins with the basics: Your provider takes your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, reviews and updates your medical history, and learns about any symptoms or worries you might have.

Though a pelvic exam technically focuses on your reproductive organs, most gynecologists automatically perform a clinical breast exam to screen for signs of breast cancer. 

They may also provide other services, depending on your needs. For example, you can get birth control, STD testing and treatment, urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment, and medications if needed during your pelvic exam.

Your pelvic exam has several parts:

External exam

Your provider visually examines your external genitalia, looking for signs of problems.

Speculum exam

The speculum is a long, narrow device made of two pieces resembling a duck’s bill. Your provider guides the speculum into your vagina and then opens it, separating the two pieces.

Opening the speculum allows your provider to see the inside vaginal wall and your cervix. If you need a Pap smear, they take a sample of cells from your cervix. Then they remove the speculum, and that part of your exam is finished.

Digital exam

Your provider inserts two gloved fingers into your vagina and then uses their other hand to press your abdomen. They may also repeat the process with a finger in your rectum.

A digital exam allows your provider to feel abnormal growths and swelling in your pelvic organs. They can also tell if you have any tenderness by your reaction to pressing on your abdomen.

What signs indicate I should schedule a pelvic exam?

Signs you should schedule a pelvic exam include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Irregular or missed periods
  • No menstrual periods
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Vaginal itching or burning
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Burning during urination

These symptoms could signal numerous gynecological problems, ranging from a UTI to endometrial cancer.

If you need a pelvic exam, call Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. or use the online booking feature today.