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Routine pelvic exams are important for good reproductive health. A woman should have her first GYN exam when she first thinks about becoming sexually active, when she becomes sexually active or when she turns 18.
At the gynecologist, you will have a short general physical exam, including a breast exam. You will wear a hospital gown and nothing else. For the actual pelvic examination, you will lie down on an examination table with your feet resting in elevated “stirrups” (props that support your legs in the air). Stirrups might look a little scary, but they are there to keep you comfortable. Your legs will be spread apart, with your knees falling to each side so that your vagina is exposed. You may feel uncomfortable, but relax and realize that everyone goes through this.
External Exam
The practitioner will visually examine your vulva for discoloration, irritation, swelling and other abnormalities, and will gently feel for glands.
Internal Exam
There are two parts to the internal exam. The first involves a speculum, a metal or plastic instrument that the practitioner inserts into the vagina. The speculum is shaped like a duck’s bill, and once it is inserted into the vaginal canal, it is gently widened to spread the interior vaginal walls (this is not painful). As the vaginal walls are spread, the practitioner is able to see the walls of the vagina itself, and up the vaginal canal to the cervix. When viewing the vaginal canal and the cervix, the practitioner can look for discoloration, abnormal discharge, lesions, growths and signs of infection. It is possible for you to look at your own cervix during this process by propping yourself up on your elbows and using a mirror. Some practitioners ask if you would like to do this, but feel free to ask to if she doesn’t mention it first.
Pap Smear
Next the practitioner will take a pap smear. She/he uses a long-stemmed cotton swab to collect a sample of cells in the cervix. Some women feel a slight cramping sensation when their cervix is touched. The collected cells are smeared onto a slide and sent to a lab for testing and examination. The pap smear is extremely important for spotting abnormalities in the cervix which may indicate infection or disease.
STD Testing
If you are sexually active, the practitioner will test for STDs. The gynecologist will swab the inside of the cervix with a long cotton swab. The speculum is then taken out of the vagina. The samples are sent to a laboratory for various STD testing. The tests will probably take a couple days. Ask when your results will be available so you can call. If you want to be tested for HIV, syphilis, genital herpes or hepatitis you need to have blood taken. They can do that as well, but you will need to ask since it is not usually routine.
Manual Exam
The second part of the pelvic exam is called the manual or bi-manual exam. The practitioner will insert one or two fingers into your vagina and press with her/his other hand on the outside of your lower abdomen. They will use a lubricant on their fingers so it is more comfortable. The person can then feel the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and check for any swelling or tenderness. Once the doctor is finished checking your uterus and ovaries, the exam is complete. The entire pelvic exam (the parts involving your vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries) takes 3 to 5 minutes to complete.
An educational recording of a vaginal childbirth, showing how labor and delivery progress. For learning purposes only — not medical advice; talk to your own clinician about your pregnancy and delivery.
Can you play sports if you have kidney disease?
In this episode we'll explore the benefits and potential risks of physical activity for those with kidney disease, how to safely engage in sports, and expert tips for maintaining an active lifestyle despite kidney challenges.
The Kidney Zone Podcast with Dr. Mo
Welcome to the Kidney Zone, where we will dive deep into the fascinating world of our body's remarkable filters. Get ready to unlock the secrets of the kidneys and transplantation as we travel through their pathways, uncovering vital tips, insightful knowledge, and practical advice to keep our kidneys healthy. Whether you're a patient with kidney disease, a medical professional, or simply curious about the kidneys, this is the place for you.
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Dr. Mo Ibrahim is an assistant professor of kidney transplantation at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He completed his clinical transplant nephrology fellowship at Washington University in 2022. Originally from Cairo, he pursued a physician/scientist career, conducting research at Duke University from 2012 to 2019. He has authored 70+ journal articles, given a TEDx talk, and holds 5 patents. Currently finishing his PhD at Erasmus University, he drives international collaborations to advance medical technology and improve medical monitoring.
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DISCLAIMER
The content of this episode is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice. The information presented here is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your doctor before making any healthcare decisions or starting any treatment regimen. Individual medical situations can vary, and only a licensed healthcare provider can offer personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.
The creators of this episode are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Any reliance on the content of this episode is at your own risk. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please seek guidance from a medical professional promptly.
Remember that medical knowledge and practices can evolve over time, and new information may become available after the creation of this episode. Therefore, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest medical research and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible care for your health.
ectal exam is an internal examination of the rectum such as by a physician or other healthcare professional.
The digital rectal examination (DRE, Latin palpatio per anum or PPA) is a relatively simple procedure. The patient is placed in a position where the anus is accessible and relaxed (lying on the side, squatting on the examination table, bent over the examination table, etc). The physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum through the anus and palpates the insides.
The DRE is inadequate as a screening tool for colorectal cancer because it examines less than 10% of the colorectal mucosa; colonoscopy is preferred. However, it's an important part of a general examination, as many tumors or other diseases are made manifest in the distal part of the rectum.
This examination may be used: * for the diagnosis of rectal tumors and other forms of cancer; * in males, for the diagnosis of prostatic disorders, notably tumors and benign prostatic hyperplasia; * for the diagnosis of appendicitis or other examples of an acute abdomen (i.e. acute abdominal symptoms indicating a serious underlying disease); * for the estimation of the tonicity of the anal sphincter, which may be useful in case of fecal incontinence or neurologic diseases, including traumatic spinal cord injuries; * in females, for gynecological palpations of internal organs * for examination of the hardness and color of the feces (ie. in cases of constipation, and fecal impaction); * prior to a colonoscopy or proctoscopy. * to evaluate haemorrhoids
The DRE is frequently combined with an FOBT (fecal occult blood test), which may be useful for diagnosing the etiology of an anemia and/or confirming a gastrointestinal bleed.
Sometimes proctoscopy may also be part of a rectal examination.
A complete pelvic examination is demonstrated here as a teaching tutorial, including the bimanual examination of the female pelvis. The video walks through the exam in the order a clinician performs it, making it a useful study resource for medical students. Educational only — not medical advice.
An educational video showing how a Pap smear sample is collected during a pelvic exam, and why cervical screening matters. Educational only — screening schedules are personal; follow your clinician's advice.
Filmed during an actual delivery, this educational video follows a natural vaginal childbirth from the final stage of labor through the baby's arrival. It gives medical students and expectant parents a clear, unedited view of how an uncomplicated vaginal delivery proceeds. For learning purposes only — not medical advice.
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