Modified from Hochstein E, Rubin AL. Physical diagnosis. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1964:342–353, with permission.
Pelvic Examination The pelvic examination is usually performed with the patient in the dorsal lithotomy position (Fig. 1.1). The patient’s feet should rest comfortably in stirrups with the edge of the buttocks at the lower end of the table so that the vulva can be readily inspected and the speculum can be inserted in the vagina without obstruction from the table. Raising the head of the examination table, if possible, may facilitate relaxation. Drapes should be placed to provide a measure of cover for the patient’s legs but should be depressed over the abdomen to allow observation of the patient’s expression and to facilitate communication.
Before each step of the examination, the patient should be informed of what she will feel next: “First you’ll feel me touch your inner thighs; next I’ll touch the area around the outside of your
Figure 1.1 The lithotomy position for the pelvic examination.
vagina.” The vulva and perineal area should be carefully inspected. Evidence of any lesions, erythema, pigmentation, masses, or irregularity should be noted. The skin quality should be noted as well as any signs of trauma, such as excoriations or ecchymosis. Areas of erythema or tenderness are noted, particularly in women with vulvar burning or pain, as might be seen with vulvar vestibulitis or localized provoked vulvodynia. The presence of any visible lesions should be quantitated and carefully described with regard to their full appearance and characteristics on palpation (i.e., mobility, tenderness, consistency). A drawing of the location of skin lesions is helpful. Ulcerative or purulent lesions of the vulva should be evaluated and cultured as outlined in subsequent chapters, and biopsy should be performed on any lesions. It may be helpful to ask the patient if she is aware of any vulvar lesions and to offer a mirror to demonstrate any lesions.
After thorough visualization and palpation of the external genitalia, including the mons pubis and the perianal area, a speculum is inserted into the vagina. In a healthy adult who is sexually active, a Pederson speculum typically is used. The types of specula that are used in gynecology are presented in Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2 Vaginal specula: 1, Graves extra long; 2, Graves regular; 3, Pederson extra long; 4, Pederson regular; 5, Huffman “virginal”; 6, pediatric regular; and 7, pediatric narrow.
The smallest width speculum necessary to produce adequate visualization should be used.
The larger Graves speculum may be required in women who have lax vaginal walls, are pregnant, or will be undergoing cervical or endometrial biopsies or procedures. In some women, a longer speculum (either Pederson or Graves) may facilitate visualization of the cervix in a manner that is less uncomfortable to the patient. If any speculum other than the typically sized specula is used, the patient should be informed and encouraged to remind the clinician before her next examination. The speculum should be warmed before it is inserted into the vagina; a heating pad or speculum warmer should be placed under the supply of specula. If lubrication is required, warm water generally is sufficient or a small amount of lubricant can be used without interfering with cervical cytology testing. The patient should be asked to relax the muscles of her distal vagina before the insertion of the speculum to facilitate the placement and to avoid startling her by this portion of the examination. After insertion, the cervix and all aspects of the vagina should be carefully inspected. Particular attention should be paid to the vaginal fornices, because lesions (e.g., warts) may be present in those areas and may not be readily visualized.