Uterine Palpation
Uterine Palpation - Related Videos
05:18
Palpation
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2023
Source: Jaideep S. Talwalkar, MD, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT The physical examination requires the use of all of the provider's senses to gain information about the patient. The sense of touch is utilized to obtain diagnostic information through palpation. The specific parts of the examiner's hand used for palpation differ based on the body part being examined. Because of their dense sensory innervation, the finger pads are useful for fine...
08:25
Abdominal Exam III: Palpation
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2023
Source: Alexander Goldfarb, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, MA Abdominal palpation, if performed correctly, allows for examination of the large and relatively superficial organs; for a skilled examiner, it allows for assessment of the smaller and deeper structures as well. The amount of information that can be obtained by palpation of the abdominal area also depends on the anatomical characteristics of the patient. For example, obesity might make...
09:59
Respiratory Exam I: Inspection and Palpation
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2023
Source: Suneel Dhand, MD, Attending Physician, Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Disorders of the respiratory system with a chief complaint of shortness of breath are among the most common reasons for both outpatient and inpatient evaluation. The most obvious visible clue to a respiratory problem will be whether the patient is displaying any signs of respiratory distress, such as fast respiratory rate and/or cyanosis. In a clinical situation, this will always require...
07:39
Cardiac Exam I: Inspection and Palpation
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2023
Source: Suneel Dhand, MD, Attending Physician, Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center The cardiac assessment is one of the core examinations performed by almost every physician whenever encountering a patient. Disorders of the cardiac system are among the most common reasons for hospital admission, with conditions ranging from myocardial infarction to congestive heart failure. Learning a complete and thorough cardiac examination is therefore crucial for any practicing physician.
08:02
Mouse Model of Surgically-induced Endometriosis by Auto-transplantation of Uterine Tissue
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Cited by 62 •
2012
A description of the surgical induction of endometriosis in mice and rats by auto-transplantation of uterine tissue to the arterial cascade of the intestinal mesentery.
FAQs
Palpation translates tactile findings into clinical observations about uterine size, position, shape, consistency, mobility, and tenderness. These characteristics are assessed together rather than in isolation, because a finding becomes meaningful when compared with expected anatomy or pregnancy-related changes. The resulting pattern can support recognition of gestational development or raise concern for enlargement, a mass, inflammation, or pain.
During pregnancy, comparison with expected gestational changes is central to interpretation. Uterine size and other palpable characteristics may be considered in relation to development, while findings that do not fit the expected pattern can prompt broader clinical assessment. Palpation therefore contributes to evaluating gestational development, but it does not replace the patient’s history, other examination findings, or imaging when those are needed.
Consistency, mobility, and tenderness represent different dimensions of the examination. Consistency contributes information about how the uterus feels, mobility describes how it responds to palpation, and tenderness captures pain elicited during assessment. Considering these findings together helps clinicians characterize the clinical pattern and decide whether it is consistent with expected changes or warrants evaluation for inflammation, a mass, or another abnormality.
Abdominal palpation assesses the uterus through the abdominal wall, whereas a bimanual pelvic examination adds assessment during an examination involving the hands. The two approaches can provide complementary information about the same uterine features, but bimanual examination is performed when appropriate. In either case, clinicians interpret the findings in context rather than treating one tactile observation as a diagnosis.
A typical assessment begins with controlled hand pressure through the abdominal wall, followed, when appropriate, by a bimanual pelvic examination. The clinician considers uterine size, position, shape, consistency, mobility, and tenderness, then compares the pattern with expected anatomy or pregnancy-related changes. History, other examination results, and imaging may be added to clarify uncertain or concerning findings.
Because it is rapid and noninvasive, uterine palpation can provide an initial clinical assessment when gestational development or a uterine abnormality is being considered. It may identify a pattern associated with enlargement, a mass, inflammation, or pain, but its findings require clinical context. Patient history, additional examination results, and imaging can guide diagnosis and management when necessary.