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Sexual Health Information |
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The internal exam (pelvic exam)
What is an internal exam?
An internal exam is a way for a doctor to check your genitals and the reproductive
organs inside your body (ovaries, Fallopian tubes and uterus). It is also called a pelvic exam.
A family doctor, a nurse practitioner or a gynecologist can do an internal exam.
Who should have an internal exam?
Every woman over 18 and every woman under 18 who is having sex (sexual intercourse)
should have an internal exam once a year.
Why should you have an internal exam?
Cancer of the cervix is preventable. The cervix is the opening to the uterus (womb).
An internal exam is the only way a doctor can test the cervix. The doctor is testing
your cervix for cells that are not normal. The earlier abnormal cells are found the better.
Abnormal cells can be treated before they turn into cancer.
The doctor is also checking your ovaries, Fallopian tubes and uterus to see that
everything is all right.
Tests are done for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Most STIs are easy to
treat if they are found early.
When should you have an internal exam?
You should have an internal exam once a year. You may need one more often
if you have any of these problems:
- Bleeding between periods (menstruation) or very heavy. periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Itching or burning around your genitals
- Discharge from the genitals that smells or looks different
- Pain or bleeding during intercourse
- Anything that is unusual, like pimples, warts, blisters on your genitals
How is an internal exam done?
- The doctor will ask you for information about your health and your family's health.
The doctor will also ask about your periods and your pregnancies.
- The doctor puts on examination gloves. Using a speculum, he or she opens your vagina
to see your cervix.
The doctor takes some cells from the cervix for a test called a Pap smear and sends
them to a laboratory for testing.
- Then the doctor takes of the speculum and inserts two (gloved) fingers into the vagina.
With the other hand on your abdomen, he or she can feel the ovaries, Fallopian tubes and uterus.
You may feel embarrassed or shy during the exam. You may ask to have your partner,
a friend or a nurse in the room with you.
What do you need to know before your exam?
- Do not have intercourse for 24 hours before your exam
- Do not douche or use spermicide for 48 hours before your exam.
- Try to remember the following details:
- Date of your last period
- Number of days you bled
- Length of your menstrual cycle (from the first day of. one period to the first day of the next period)
- Any discharge from the vagina that smells or looks. different
- Any new pain or anything that you don't understand, like pimples or itching
Having an internal exam is one way of taking care of your body. If you haven't had
an internal exam in the last year ...make an appointment today!
Fertility information
Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of Australia Ltd, Australia
A non-profit organization which undertakes research into fertility and infertility awareness. Provides animation of fertility cycle as well as info about the Billings method.
Fertility Facts (PDF file size 51KB)
Fertility Chart (PDF file size 31KB)
To find a Sexual health Clinic near you, call:
AIDS and Sexual Health InfoLine 1-800-668-2437
Toronto Sexual Health Clinics
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