What is a pelvic exam like? Will it hurt?
If youre nervous, we encourage you to talk with the clinician about any worries you may have before the exam. Shes there to answer your questions and help you relax. There is no need to be embarrassed- clinicians see lots of teens and do many exams each day. To get ready for the exam, you first undress and cover yourself with a sheet. When you are ready, the nurse or clinician will return and help you get on the table and put your feet in the footrests (stirrups). She will have you move to the end of the table before lying down. A speculum is used to gently open the vagina. Relax and breathe deeply. Let the clinician know if you are at all uncomfortable – it’s not supposed to hurt! A swab is used to take some cells from your cervix. These cells will be tested (the Pap test) to make sure that no unhealthy (pre-cancerous) cells are present. The clinician will also insert a finger in the vagina to feel the uterus and ovaries to make sure everything is healthy while checking for any signs
