Pelvic Exam I: Patient Comfort and External Check

Pelvic exam communication and the external genitalia check are important parts of patient care. The exam can feel invasive, so clinicians should help patients feel comfortable and empowered instead of vulnerable. Verbal and nonverbal communication both matter, and patients should be given control whenever possible.

The pelvic examination is performed for diagnostic, screening and treatment purposes as a part of gynecologic, obstetric and sexual health care. A comprehensive pelvic exam includes assessment of the external genitalia-which will be discussed in this video, followed by examination of the vagina and cervix with a speculum-to be covered in the vid...