Is it normal to be nervous before the first visit? What should I expect at the first gynecologic visit? What happens during a general physical exam? What happens during an external genital exam?

A vaginal speculum is a tool that doctors use during pelvic exams. Your doctor inserts the speculum into your vagina and gently opens it during your exam. Speculums come in different sizes.

During the exam, the doctor inspects the vagina , cervix , fallopian tubes , vulva, ovaries , and uterus. Public and private healthcare providers routinely perform pelvic exams at their offices or clinics. There are no specific guidelines for how often a woman should have a pelvic exam, but it is often recommended to have one once a year.