What is this test?
A pelvic exam is a physical examination of the pelvic
organs, including the external genitals (vulva) and internal organs (vagina,
cervix, and uterus).
It is one of several methods used to evaluate sexual and
reproductive health and can be performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist
(ob-gyn) or other healthcare professional.
A Pap smear is a procedure using a small brush to gently
remove cells from the cervix and surrounding area for microscopic examination,
checking for cervical cancer or precancerous changes. It can also detect
infections and inflammation. Typically done during a pelvic exam, it may be
combined with an HPV test. This procedure is also known as a Pap test or
Papanicolaou test.
How is it done?
A pelvic exam typically consists of three parts:
Is this routine or specific?
Pelvic exams and Pap
smears can be both routine screening tests and specific diagnostic tests,
depending on the context.
Routine Screening Tests:
●
Pelvic Exams: Recommended as part of regular health check-ups for women.
The frequency can vary based on age, health history, and risk factors, but
generally, they are done annually.
●
Pap Smears: Typically recommended for women starting at age 21 and
continuing every three years if results are normal. After age 30, they may be
combined with HPV testing and done every five years if both tests are normal.
Specific Diagnostic Tests:
●
Pelvic Exams: Performed to diagnose specific symptoms such as pelvic
pain, abnormal bleeding, or other reproductive health concerns.
●
Pap Smears: Conducted if there are symptoms like abnormal bleeding or
if there was a previous abnormal Pap test result, to further investigate and
monitor the condition.
When should it be done?
The frequency for
pelvic exams and Pap smears can vary based on individual health factors and guidelines.
Here’s a general overview:
Pelvic Exam:
●
Routine pelvic exams: Generally, it's recommended to have a
pelvic exam once a year. However, if you’re asymptomatic and have no specific
concerns, your doctor might suggest a different schedule based on your health
needs.
Pap Smear:
●
Ages 21-29: Pap smears should be done every 3 years.
●
Ages 30-65: You can either have a Pap smear every 3 years or a Pap
smear combined with an HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years. The choice might
depend on your health history and doctor’s advice.
●
Over 65: If you have had regular screenings with normal results,
you might not need further Pap smears. Your doctor will give personalized
recommendations based on your history.
What do the results indicate or eliminate?
Pelvic Exam:
●
Indicates: The pelvic exam can help detect abnormalities in the
reproductive organs, such as lumps, pain, or unusual discharge. It can also
help identify issues like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, or
ovarian cysts.
●
Eliminates: A pelvic exam can help rule out certain conditions or
abnormalities, but it cannot definitively diagnose many specific issues on its
own. Additional tests or imaging may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Pap Smear (Pap Test):
●
Indicates: A Pap smear screens for cervical cell changes that might
lead to cervical cancer. It can detect pre-cancerous cells or early-stage
cervical cancer.
●
Eliminates: A normal Pap smear result usually indicates that there are
no abnormal or pre-cancerous cells present. However, it does not test for all
types of cervical cancer or other conditions, so follow-up tests may be needed
if abnormalities are detected.