What To Know Before Your Pelvic Exam

At our womens healthcare practice Greenville NC, we understand going for a pelvic exam can be nerve-wracking for many people. It’s natural to have questions, concerns, and even feel embarrassed about the procedure. However, it’s essential to remember that pelvic exams are a routine part of women’s healthcare at our OBGYN Greenville NC, and are necessary for maintaining good women’s health no matter your season of life or plans!

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the basics of pelvic exams and how we make it MOST COMFORTABLE where Dr. Rowe likes to say, “Pelvic exams should be the least of your worries when you come to see us and we will help you breathe through this part together.” Leave a comment if you are heard Dr. Rowe say this-LOL!. At Magnolia Place, we sought out to find and provide the best of tools to prepare and improve your sense of ease and comfort level with this necessary part of your health. Here’s what to know before your appointment.

What is a Pelvic Exam?

A pelvic exam is a routine procedure performed by a gynecologist or another women’s healthcare provider. It involves an internal and external examination of the female anatomy to check for any issues or abnormalities that you were born with or that developed over time. The exam typically lasts between 10 to 15 minutes and is relatively straightforward. During the exam, the doctor will examine the vulva, vagina, and all visual or palpable internal anatomy for any signs of infection, discharge, or abnormal growths. If you’re still curious about what a pelvic exam may look like, the Toronto Video Atlas of Surgery has a great representation available.

Drs. Rowe and Loftis have seen countless stories in their medical career and at our womens healthcare practice Greenville NC, where trouble as found without their patients having any symptoms! There is a conversation ongoing and debate over if and when should a woman have a pelvic exam if she is feeling well and without symptoms. We would argue at Magnolia Place that many issues are fine until they are not and why wait until it is a problem that may be harder to treat or impossible to correct? Do you use this rationale or belief-system in any other part of our lives like an ostrich putting her head in the sand? Absolutely not!

What to Expect During Your Pelvic Floor Exam

It’s normal a normal response to feel anxious about an intimate exam as with a pelvic exam.  Women are asked to position in a way that is highly vulnerable and The medical field including, Drs. Rowe and Loftis, have practiced many acrobatics to improve what we do but position is often best decided as it relates to your anatomy no matter your agility capabilities. We believe knowing what to expect at a womens healthcare practice Greenville NC can help ease your nerves and the physical nature of this important exam. At Magnolia Place, we support you and you decide what position may be best if there is any question.

If you are not a patient of Magnolia Place, please be your own advocate and know that the exam begins with a discussion between you and your medical provider about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. When is comes times to undress for your exam, make sure you are comfortable before you do so. In general, most exams are performed with being in your “birthday suit” from the waist down and positioning yourself on the exam table with your feet in stirrups. Breathing and position are key in addition to the conversation as the exam commences and is carried out.

With the speculum exam, this is the time to breath as the exam is initiated for the vaginal exam and the insertion of a speculum into your vagina to allow visualization of the cervix and vaginal walls. At Magnolia Place, we provide an array of choices for your speculum exam. Drs. Rowe and Loftis decide to make an investment in the POWERED-exam chair to meet the needs of ALL DIFFERENTLY-ABLED CAPABILITIES with accomplishing this important medical exam.

They took it a step further and sought to bypass the outdated metal speculum or breakable plastic ones and INVEST in the possibilities where COMFORT could meet HAPPY. When it comes to your pelvic exams, comfort is possible thanks to the calculated care model at Magnolia Place.  Drs. Rowe and Loftis found the MOST ELITE and PREMIUM speculum available-Meet CEEK! This cutting edge design is as small as your finger and is not plastic or metal that most OBGYN offices use. Need we say more?

After the speculum exam, the last step is a bimanual exam. This type of exam involves inserting two fingers into the vagina while pressing down on the abdomen to check the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The exam may cause some pressure and is a breathing moment, but it should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain, it’s important to communicate this during your exam, as it contributes to feedback and opportunities in detail to best evaluation your pelvic health.

Tips for Your Pelvic Floor Exam

Whether you’re having your pelvic floor exam at Magnolia Place or elsewhere with an ECU OBGYN, here are a few pointers to help make your pelvic floor exam more comfortable.

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1. Schedule your exam for a time when you are not on your cycle. For Drs. Rowe and Loftis, bleeding does not deter them from offering a pelvic exam unless it may alter the ability to collect a pap screening as blood makes it difficult for the pathologist to see the cervical cells for cancer screening.  At any time you are concerned about bleeding, they therefore defer to your comfort level.
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2. It is helpful-but not an absolute rule-to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and douching for 24 hours before the exam. This is because in certain cases it can alter the findings of your exam.
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3. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment at your womens healthcare practice Greenville NC.
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4. Write down your questions or concerns regarding a pelvic exam. If you have experienced a traumatic exam in the past or are a victim of intimate partner violence or sexual assault, make sure that your provider is aware! At Magnolia Place, we practice trauma-informed care and take every precaution to get to know you and know it is a safe place to discuss the barriers like a traumatic past that could make the present exam even more difficult.
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5. Take deep breaths and try to relax during the exam.
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6. Plan an AFTER-CARE activity to help celebrate and resolve those nerves in a peaceful practice of self-gratitude.

Magnolia Place | Womens Healthcare Practice Greenville NC

A pelvic exam with OBGYN Greenville NC is an essential part of maintaining good health and is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you have concerns or questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask a doctor at your womens healthcare practice Greenville NC. By following the tips above and knowing what to expect, you can help make your pelvic floor exam a more comfortable experience. Contact Magnolia Place to schedule your appointment today.