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.