Pelvic Examination
Gynecologic Exam
How It Feels
A pelvic examination is more comfortable if you and the health professional are relaxed during the procedure. Breathing deeply and having a light conversation with your health professional may help you relax. Try not to hold your breath or tense your muscles.
You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the speculum is inserted into your vagina. Try to relax your legs and hips as much as you can. You may experience pain or irritation, especially if you have a vaginal infection. If a metal speculum is used, the metal may feel cold and hard. The speculum may be warmed with water or lubricated with a vaginal lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, before being inserted into the vagina.
During the bimanual part of the examination, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation of pressure or a slight twinge of pain as the health professional feels your ovaries; breathing deeply may help you relax. You may feel a brief pinch when the Pap test is taken. Tell your health professional if any part of the examination is painful.
During the rectovaginal examination, you may feel as though you are about to have a bowel movement as the health professional withdraws a finger from your rectum. This is a normal sensation that lasts only a few seconds. You may have a small amount of vaginal discharge or bleeding after the examination.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Carrie Henley | Last Updated: August 7, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
 | How It Feels |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |