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By Mayo Clinic staffNo special preparation is required for a pelvic exam, although your doctor may recommend that you schedule your pelvic exam on a day when you don't have your period.
If you have questions about the exam or its possible results, write them down and bring them with you to the appointment, so you don't forget to ask about them during the visit with your doctor.
- LeBlond RF, et al. The screening physical examination. In: DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3658782. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Special procedures: The Pap test. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp085.cfm. Accessed April 13, 2009.
- Carusi DA, et al. The gynecologic history and physical examination. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
- Gynecologic problems: Pelvic pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp099.cfm. Accessed April 13, 2009.
- Schorge JO, et al. Well woman care. In: Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3148000. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- LeBlond RF, et al. The female genitalia and reproductive system. In: DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3656235. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Cervical cytology screening. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/documents/PB109_Cervical_Cytology_Screening.pdf. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.