I'm scared about getting a pelvic and vaginal exam. can you tell me exactly what it involves and how much it hurts?

Exam: Vaginal: speculum put into vagina to hold it open so the dr can see inside. Speculum opens up to the size a little larger than a tampon to allow the dr to use a q-tip sized brush to swab the cervix for a pap smear. Speculum removed. Pelvic: dr's 2 fingers of 1 hand are inserted into the vagina & other hand on belly to feel the size of the uterus/ovaries. Usually no pain, maybe some discomfort.

Understandably...: Ready about it, observe a few and find a gentle and compassionate gyn doctor to guide you...Good luck! http://www.Mayoclinic.Com/health/pelvic-exam/my00657.

A natural reaction: Your health care provider will support your need for privacy , while doing a visual inspection of the area. A speculum is used to visualize the cervix and lightly scrape for a tissue sample (pap test). A palpating of the internal organs is done to check for tenderness. Your provider should talk you thru each step.

Do not: Go to your regular or an gynecologist you feel comfortable with. It involves regular palpation of your lower abd and pelvic area, then vaginal examination, bimanual palpation, swab of your cervix. Mild discomfort.