MamasHealth.com Home Women's Health Adenomyosis Atrophic vaginitis Bartholin's abscess Cervical dysplasia Cervical polyps Cervictis Depo provera Domestic violence Endometrial hyperplasia Endometrial polyps Endometriosis Escape an attacker Folic acid Finding time for sex Hormone therapy Alternatives How to be a better mom HPV scare Important health tests Labial reduction surgery Menorrhagia Menopause Menstrual cramps Midlife checklist Mittelschmerz Moms need friends too Ovarian cysts Painful sex Pelvic exams PID PMS Polycystic ovarian Preeclampsia Pregnancy Salpingitis Toxic shock syndrome 1 Toxic shock syndrome 2 Urinary incontinence Urinary tract infection Uterine bleeding Uterine fibroids Vaginal cysts Vaginal dryness Vaginal rejuvenation Vaginal warts Vaginismus Vaginitis Vulvar dystrophy Vulvitis Vulvodynia Women & calcium Women & medicine Women & heart Disease Yeast infections Links Email Mama Tips to get him in the mood Why women should care about prostate cancer Donating your eggs Help for rape victims Stay at home moms Women and calcium 9 things women should know about men Shy girls guide to flirting	Why should you get a Pelvic Exam? Pelvic exams are very important to detect infections and abnormal changes in the pelvis and reproductive organs before symptoms occur. A healthy pelvis and reproductive organs is important to normal fertility, uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth, and the health of future children. Some of the most important reasons to have a pelvic exam are: cervical cancer screening screening and diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases birth control and pregnancy-related conditions What happens during the pelvic exam? There are three main parts to the pelvic examination. Conversation with the nurse or counselor about your medical history. Some of the most common questions asked are: When was your last period? What types of birth control do you use? How many sexual partners do you have? Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease Physical examination of the external and internal genital area. You will be required to undress below the waist and sit on a pelvic examination table. Your doctor will discuss the findings of your physical examination and when to expect lab results. How to prepare for a pelvic exam? Before you go for your pelvic exam, write down the following: date of your last period any current symptoms and concerns allergies to medications Pap Smear? A pap smear, also called a pap test is a test for cervical cancer. The test can show if you have a cervical infection, detect cervical cancer, and changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. Pap Smears should be performed annually beginning at age 18. Help make sure your Pap Smear is accurate Do not have sexual intercourse, or douche 48 hours before your appointment. Try not to schedule an appointment for a time during your menstrual period. Do not douche for 48 hours before the test. Do not use tampons, birth control foams, jellies, or other vaginal creams or vaginal medications for 48 hours before your appointment.
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