Pelvic Exam

During a pelvic exam, a health care provider checks reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus and vagina. It usually only lasts a few minutes. This exam can also help the provider diagnose the cause of pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain happens in the area between the hips and lower abdomen. The pain can be caused by digestive, reproductive and urinary organs as well as by bones, ligaments and muscles.  Pelvic pain ranges from mild to severe and can be dull or sharp, depending on the cause.

A MinuteClinic provider will review a person’s medical history. They will perform a pelvic exam during the visit and evaluate the laboratory results when they’re received. They may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. If necessary, they may refer someone to a specialist for additional care.

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Pelvic pain could indicate one of many different conditions:*

• Broken pelvic bones
• Kidney infection or stones
• Intestinal disorders
• Nerve conditions
• Pelvic disorders
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

For people assigned female at birth (AFAB), there may be other causes:

• Cancer (cervical, ovarian or uterine)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual cramps
• Miscarriage
• Ovarian cysts
• Ovulation
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Uterine fibroids

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. Some possible treatment options* include the following:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Oral contraceptives
• Pain relievers
• Physical therapy

A MinuteClinic provider will review a person’s medical history. They will perform a pelvic exam during the visit and evaluate the laboratory results when they’re received. They may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. If necessary, they may refer someone to a specialist for additional care.