Pelvic examination

A pelvic examination is when a doctor or a specialist nurse examines your pelvis. You may also hear this test called an internal or vaginal examination.  

Your pelvis is the area between your hip bones. It contains the pelvic organs, including the:

• bladder

• lower part of the bowel

In women, it also contains the female ​reproductive system​ . This includes the:

• ​ovaries​

• ​fallopian tubes​

• ​womb​

• ​cervix​

• ​vagina​

• ​vulva​

During the pelvic examination, your doctor or nurse looks and feels for anything that doesn't feel normal. They might refer you for more tests or treatment if they find anything abnormal.

Your doctor or nurse uses a ​speculum​ to hold the vagina open during the examination. This allows them to see the vagina and cervix clearly.

Some people find these examinations embarrassing. It can also be uncomfortable. Your doctor and nurse will explain beforehand what will happen and will do all they can to make you comfortable and put you at ease. You can ask any questions you might have about the examination. 

Contact the number on the appointment letter beforehand if you think you are going to find these examinations difficult. If the healthcare team knows how you feel, they can make sure you get the support you need and allow more time if necessary.

Where you have a pelvic examination

You usually have this test in the outpatient clinic. You might also have a pelvic examination at your GP practice.

Why you have this test?

A pelvic examination helps your doctor find out the cause of your symptoms. You may have a pelvic examination if your doctor suspects you have:

• cervical cancer

• vaginal cancer

• ovarian cancer

• womb cancer

• vulval cancer

Find out more about these cancer types

What happens when you have a pelvic examination?

The nurse should ask if you would like to have someone else (a chaperone) in the room while you have the test. It’s normal practice to offer this for intimate examinations or tests. The chaperone is another staff member from the clinic. It’s up to you whether you decide to have one or not. Ask for a chaperone if this is what you want and it hasn’t been offered. You can also take a friend or relative into the room with you if you want.

You usually undress from the waist down and have a sheet to cover the lower half of your body. You lie on your back on the couch with your knees up and legs apart. You may be asked to rest your legs on padded leg supports.

Your doctor or nurse usually starts by looking at the vulva. Then they use a speculum to gently open the vagina. They put lubricating gel on the speculum first. They can look at the vagina and cervix to see if there is anything abnormal. They may use a strong light and magnifier. When they finish, they remove the speculum.

The doctor or nurse may also put two gloved fingers into your vagina, and press down on your tummy with their other hand at the same time. Afterwards, they may also check your rectum (back passage). With a gloved finger, they feel for any lumps or changes in size or shape.

If you find the examination uncomfortable or painful let your nurse or doctor know. They can stop the examination. 

If you are pregnant

You can have a pelvic examination if you're pregnant. But do let the doctor know before the test.

Pelvic examination under anaesthetic

It may be too uncomfortable for some people to have an examination while they are awake. So in this situation, you may have a ​general anaesthetic​ . The doctor can examine the vulva, vagina and cervix without it being uncomfortable for you.

Find out more about having a pelvic examination under anaesthetic

After your test

You will be able to go home as soon as the pelvic examination is over.

Possible risks

A pelvic examination is a safe test. The examination should not be painful, but it might be uncomfortable. Your nurse or doctor will tell you if they find anything abnormal and if you need more tests.