Pelvic exam


An examination of the organs of the female reproductive system.

In a pelvic exam, a speculum (an instrument for opening and widening certain passages of the body) is used to open the vagina and aid in visualizing the uterine cervix. A sample of cells may be taken off the surface of the cervix for a Pap smear or a sample may be obtained for laboratory culture. The uterus womb and ovaries are felt with the fingers to detect swellings or other abnormalities.

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  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

    Ascending infection of the female upper genital tract (the female structures above the cervix). PID is the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), aside from AIDS, among women. The signs and symptoms of PID include fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, extreme pain, including pain during intercourse, and vaginal bleeding. PID can scar […]

  • Pelvic pain

    Pain perceived in the area of the pelvis, the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones. The term pelvic pain is most commonly used to refer to pain arising from reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina) in women. Pelvic pain can have numerous causes, including menstrual cramps; pain from a rupture […]

  • Pelvis

    The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones. Structures in the female pelvis include the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. Structures in the male pelvis include the bladder, rectum, prostate, testicles, and penis.

  • Pelvis, android

    There are significant differences in the anatomy of the pelvis in the female and male. The android or male pelvis is more robust, narrower, and taller than the female pelvis. The angle of the male pubic arch and the sacrum are narrower as well. The female pelvis is more delicate, wider and not as high […]

  • Pelvis, female

    The lower part of the abdomen that is located between the hip bones in a female. The female pelvis is usually more delicate than, wider than, and not as high as the male pelvis. The angle of the female pubic arch is wide and round. The female sacrum is wider than the male’s, and the […]


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