No, they’re not the same: the difference between a pelvic exam and a Pap smear.
When it comes to women’s health, two very important tests are the pelvic exam and the pap smear. While these two are commonly confused for one another, they are actually quite different.
What is a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam is a physical examination of the vulva and a speculum exam of the vagina and cervix. This can also include a bimanual exam where the provider inserts two gloved fingers into the vagina to assess the size and shape of your uterus, and to examine for any pelvic mass or tenderness. Most of the time a pelvic exam is routine to ensure that your vulvovaginal health is in tip-top shape. Other reasons include: to look for causes of abnormal bleeding, assess for anatomic variants (like a vaginal septum), evaluate for sources of pelvic pain (like pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, fibroids), document extent of vulvovaginal atrophy in menopause, assess size and shape of the uterus to plan mode of hysterectomy, and to perform tests like Pap smears and STI screens.
As much as these pelvic exams are routine, you are well within your right to decline an exam. As long as you are up-to-date with your Pap smear screens and do not have any vulvovaginal complaints, you do not need to have one every year!
What is a Pap smear?
In contrast, a Pap smear is a screening test used to detect changes in cervical cells that could indicate cervical cancer or precancerous lesions. During this procedure, your doctor will use a soft brush or spatula to take samples from the surface cells of your cervix which will be sent off for laboratory testing by a pathologist. The results of this test can help identify potential cancer risks and guide your healthcare team in providing appropriate treatment options if needed.
Can I do one and not the other?
It is important to note that although both procedures provide valuable information about women’s health, they do not replace each other when it comes to screening for potential gynecological cancers. While pelvic exams can help detect signs of infection or irregularities in reproductive anatomy such as fibroids and ovarian cysts, these conditions do not necessarily relate to cervical cancer risk. On the other hand, pap smears cannot detect other problems that can be identified during pelvic exams such as STIs and menstrual abnormalities. As such, it is important to have both completed regularly to maintain good health!
If you have any questions about either type of exam or when you should get them done, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice tailored to your individual needs.
About the author: Dr. Sanchez is a Board Certified Obstetrician Gynecologist and Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner. If you’re in the Miami area and are looking for a new Ob/Gyn to talk to about these topics, you can always make an appointment by calling the clinic or booking online. She explores this and other subjects on her Instagram, so make sure to follow along!
Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis or medication treatment of a qualified physician. Resources listed here do not imply endorsement of any content. Should the reader have any health concerns, promptly seek a consultation with your physician.