When Should You Get a Pelvic Exam?

Why are pelvic exams an important part of women's health, and when should women start getting them?

"It sort of depends on whether you're having an issue or if it's just a routine exam. For a routine exam, if you're having no problems, pap smear, screening, usually starts at age 21. We would recommend coming in for a pap smear at 21 when you would have a full pelvic exam," said Tara Chadwick, M.D., FACOG, a board certified gynecologist and specialty trained surgeon at The Gynecology Center at Mercy.

Anyone having an issue before 21 should consult their doctor and may need an exam sooner. Dr. Chadwick acknowledges the thought of a pelvic exam can be scary to young women.

"Typically, what we'll do is we'll talk first and try to make the patient more comfortable. We'll always describe what we'll do and describe what we're doing as we do the pelvic exam," Dr. Chadwick said.

A pelvic exam may be uncomfortable, but not painful, and many women should get them yearly, but Dr. Chadwick notes that patients should decide that with their doctor.

View Mercy gynecologist Dr. Tara Chadwick's interview regarding women and pelvic exams.