Get Pelvic Exams Under Anesthesia State Map

Always instruct the patient to void before the examination is done. The physician should assure the patient that the pelvic examination will be done as gently as possible. The examination usually begins by inspection and gentle palpation of the lower abdomen for masses, tenderness, distention, hernias, and incisions.

To assess your gynecological health. A pelvic exam often is part of a routine physical exam to find possible signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer. Pelvic exams are also commonly performed during pregnancy.

Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent Informed consent also lets patients know what other options are available, such as a whether there are alternatives to a pelvic exam. Informed consent is a process of communication between a doctor and patient — not just a signature on a form.

Pelvic exams usually happen when patients are awake and fully aware that their doctor is going to examine the most private areas of their body. However, an investigation discovered that medical students have performed pelvic and prostate exams on patients who are under anesthesia without their explicit consent.

Always instruct the patient to void before the examination is done. The physician should assure the patient that the pelvic examination will be done as gently as possible. The examination usually begins by inspection and gentle palpation of the lower abdomen for masses, tenderness, distention, hernias, and incisions.

Although not the same, a pelvic exam and a pap smear are both necessary components for a woman's health, although not for the same reasons. A pelvic exam is more concerned with the health of your vagina and pelvis, while a pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes that may potentially lead to cervical cancer.

Pelvic exam. A doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and presses on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This is done to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, and rectum are also checked.

Approach Considerations The pelvic examination typically consists of visual external inspection, insertion of the speculum, performance of any tests or cytology, and then bimanual examination to determine the size and character of the uterus and ovaries.