Gynecological examinations and tests

Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam is a way for your gynaecologist to look for signs of illness in certain organs in your body.
The exam is used to look at a woman’s:

• Vulva (external genital organs)
• Uterus (the womb)
• Cervix (opening from the vagina to the uterus)
• Fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs to the womb)
• Ovaries (organs that produce eggs)
• Bladder (the sac that holds urine)
• Rectum (the chamber that connects the colon to the anus)

Ultrasound

A gynaecologic ultrasound is an ultrasound of the female pelvis. It examines the female pelvic organs including the uterus (commonly called the “womb”), the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), the cervix and the ovaries. A pregnancy ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high frequency sound waves to create pictures of a baby in the womb, as well as the mother’s reproductive organs. The average number of ultrasounds varies with each pregnancy.

In the first trimester of pregnancy (weeks one to 12), ultrasounds may be done to:

• confirm pregnancy
• check the fetal heartbeat
• determine the gestational age of the baby and estimate a due date
• check for multiple pregnancies
• examine the placenta, uterus, ovaries, and cervix
• diagnose an ectopic pregnancy (when the fetus does not attach to the uterus) or miscarriage
• look for any abnormal growth in the fetus

In the second trimester (12 weeks to 24 weeks) and the third trimester (24 weeks to 40 weeks or birth), an ultrasound may be done to:

• monitor the fetus’ growth and position
• determine the baby’s sex
• confirm multiple pregnancies
• look at the placenta to check for problems, such as placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus prior to delivery)
• check for characteristics of Down syndrome (normally done between 13 and 14 weeks)
• check for congenital abnormalities or birth defects
• examine the fetus for structural abnormalities or blood flow problems
• monitor the levels of amniotic fluid
• determine if the fetus is getting enough oxygen
• diagnose problems with the ovaries or uterus, such as pregnancy tumors
• measure the length of the cervix
• guide other tests, such as amniocentesis
• confirm an intrauterine death

Pap test

A Pap test, or Papanicolaou test, is a procedure that removes a small sample of cells from the cervix. Cells are looked at under a microscope to see if they are normal or abnormal.

A Pap test is mainly used to:

• screen for and help diagnose precancerous conditions of the cervix and cervical cancer
• help diagnose precancerous conditions of the vagina and vaginal cancer
• diagnose infection and inflammationThe body’s protective response to injury or infection that includes redness, swelling, pain and warmth of the affected area. in the lower female reproductive tract

Pap tests are also done to follow up after an abnormal Pap test or to monitor precancerous conditions. They are used to check for abnormal cell changes or to see if cancer comes back (recurs) after treatment.

Pipelle sampling

Endometrial pipelle sampling, also known as endometrial biopsy, scratching, or injury, is a common procedure often performed in women with abnormal uterine bleeding. The PIP study is designed to test whether this common procedure can also be used to help increase pregnancy rates in subfertile women or couples.

The endometrial pipelle procedure is similar to having a smear test done. First, the speculum is inserted into the vagina. Then the pipelle is inserted gently through the cervix and into the uterus. The pipelle procedure takes approximately one minute and involves gently moving the pipelle back and forth to obtain a sample. Some temporary discomfort or cramping may be experienced.

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