Hesperian Health Guides
The pelvic exam
HealthWiki > A Book for Midwives > Chapter 20: The Pelvic Exam: how to examine a woman's vagina and womb > The pelvic exam
Before you start:
- make sure that you have privacy.
- prepare all the tools you will need for the exam:
The speculum and gloves should be sterile if you are doing a pelvic exam to insert an IUD or to do an MVA. Otherwise, a very clean speculum is OK.
| clean or sterile speculum |
clean or sterile plastic gloves |
light | mirror | clean cloths for wiping after the exam |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
- Ask the woman to urinate before the exam. This will make the exam more comfortable for her.
- Ask the woman to remove her pants or pull up her skirt. If she wants something to cover her legs, give her a sheet or cloth.
- Ask her to lie on her back with her knees up and her buttocks at the end of the table or bed.
- Wash your hands with clean water and soap. Your fingernails should be short and clean.
- Put clean plastic gloves on your hands.
This page was updated:01 Mar 2024