Pelvic Examination: What To Think About

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What To Think About

• You should begin having regular Pap tests within 3 years after becoming sexually active. For more information, see the medical test Pap Test.
• After you have had three or more normal annual pelvic and Pap tests in a row, you may need them less often. This depends on your risk factors for cervical problems and the advice of your health professional.
• If you may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), other testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. For more information, see the medical tests Vaginal Wet Mount, Tests for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Herpes Tests, Syphilis Tests, Chlamydia Tests, and Gonorrhea Test.
• Pelvic ultrasound is another test used to evaluate a woman's pelvic organs. For more information, see the medical test Pelvic Ultrasound.
• Vaginal self-exam (VSE) may help you better understand your body, know what is normal for you, and find early signs of infections or other abnormal conditions that might require medical attention. However, VSE should supplement but not replace a regular pelvic exam and Pap test done by a health professional. For more information, see the medical test Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE).

Last updated:	June 06, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer