A Self-Advocate’s Guide To Pelvic Exams
Last Revised: May 2025
IHPP guides are for educational purposes only. The illustrations and information about anatomy are for learning about the human body, health conditions, and preparing for appointments. These guides should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems. These guides are not a replacement for seeing a licensed medical professional. Please talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your health.
Transcript:
A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Pelvic Exams
Created by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council.
This guide helps you understand what a pelvic exam is and why it’s important for your health.
What is a Pelvic Exam?
A pelvic exam checks your:
Vagina
Uterus
Ovaries
Cervix
The exam is done in a health clinic or doctor’s office.
Who Should Get a Pelvic Exam?
Anyone with a vagina between the ages of 18–65 years.
Why Should You Get a Pelvic Exam?
To stay healthy, even if you are not having sex.
To detect health issues early.
People with disabilities are at higher risk of cancer due to fewer regular checkups.
When Might You Need One?
Once every 3 years or every year, depending on your provider.
Family history of cancer.
Pelvic pain.
Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.
STIs or infection concerns.
Pregnancy.
What Happens During a Pelvic Exam?
A provider checks your vagina using a tool called a speculum.
You may feel pressure or discomfort.
You can bring a support person.
There should be 3 people in the room.
You can ask to take medicine to relax or to be put to sleep.
The exam usually lasts less than 10 minutes.
It’s okay to ask questions and use your voice if uncomfortable.
What is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is sometimes done during a pelvic exam.
It collects cells from the cervix using a small brush.
Cells are checked for cancer or disease.
Results come in a few days.
What is The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPP)?
IHPP makes healthcare information easier to understand and helps providers work better with people with disabilities.
Goals:
Create plain language health info for people with developmental disabilities.
Help healthcare providers communicate better with neurodiverse patients.
Last revised: January 2025
Learn more: http://www.ihppvt.org
Supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Award: $95,319.
Sources:
Advocate Medical Group, Adult Down Syndrome Center (2021). Pelvic Exam Social Story. Resources. https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/resources/pelvic-exam-social-story/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018; Reaffirmed 2024). The utility of and indications for routine pelvic examination. Committee Opinions, (754). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/10/the-utility-of-and-indications-for-routine-pelvic-examination
Mayo Clinic (2024, May 24). Pelvic Health. Tests and Procedures. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pelvic-exam/about/pac-20385135
Wahl, M. and Buoniconti, J. (2023, May 9). Women with disabilities need gynecologists, too. Muscular Dystrophy Association, Quest Media. https://mdaquest.org/women-with-disabilities-need-gynecologists-too/