PHINMA University of Pangasinan College of Health Sciences Nursing Journal Name: Perez, Jerico Fred De Leon Year/block/group: FA1-3BSN-08 Violeta Gutierrez Date: January 19, 2023 Hospital/area: Mariam Care Birthing Home Clinical Instructor: Pelvic Examination Summary of Pelvic Examination: A pelvic exam is a visual and physical examination of a woman's reproductive organs performed by a physician. The doctor examines the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus during the exam. Pelvic exams are commonly performed by public and private healthcare providers in their offices or clinics. Screening for ovarian cancer, before to prescribing hormonal contraception, detecting sexually transmitted infections or other pathology, or simply as part of a well-woman exam are all common indications. Clinical trials have shown that screening high-risk populations for Chlamydia reduces the incidence of the disease, and several professional organizations, including the USPSTF, recommend it for all sexually active, non-pregnant women 24 years or younger, as well as older women at elevated risk. Gonorrhea should be tested in sexually active pregnant or non-pregnant women of any age who are at an elevated risk. Although our review focused on adult women it is worth noting that several groups have reported that younger women are more likely than older women to experience pelvic examination-associated embarrassment and pain. Finally, it has been suggested that the opportunity for an annual pelvic examination might serve as an incentive for women to access the healthcare care system and thereby receive recommended gynecologic services such as contraception, screening for sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer, and other non-gynecologic preventive care including immunizations, blood pressure, weight and cholesterol measurement, colon cancer screening, and risk factor assessment and counseling. In conclusion, we found no data supporting the use of the screening pelvic examination in the asymptomatic average risk woman for any indication other than periodic cervical cancer screening. Reflection: Pelvic exams are an important part of a routine annual well-woman exam because they help doctors, nurses, and other health professionals look for any signs of abnormalities that may not cause any symptoms. Pelvic exams may also be necessary to evaluate symptoms, such as vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, unexplained bleeding, urinary problems, and even fecal incontinence. Pelvic exams are also often performed during pregnancy to check the cervix. When a pap test (pap smear) is necessary, they are often done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. The evidence currently lacks evidence supporting the use of the pelvic examination for asymptomatic women who are not at risk for cancer. It is a time-consuming and potentially harmful procedure that can cause anxiety and embarrassment.
