Most girls do not need a pelvic exam at their first gynecologic visit. But if you have had sex or are having certain problems, a pelvic exam may be needed. For the pelvic exam, you will be asked to undress and put on a paper or cloth gown. You then will lie on an exam table. You will be asked to put your feet against footrests and slide to the end of the table.
The doctor may look at your vagina with a speculum. He or she may take a sample of your cells to check for some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Another sample may be taken for a Pap test.
After the speculum exam, your doctor will check your internal organs. The doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside. This exam helps the doctor check the size, position, and shape of the internal pelvic organs. It also may help the doctor find any problems. The pelvic exam may feel uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
