Pelvic Exams

Some of the healthcare providers at UHS can provide pelvic exams. A pelvic exam, also called a “gynecologic exam,” “g-y-n exam,” or “annual exam” is performed to assess the health of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and breasts. For people aged 21 and over, some gynecologic exams include a Pap test. You may have a pelvic exam as an annual wellness check-up, or you may see a provider (with or without a physical exam) if you are having troublesome periods, vaginal itching, vaginal discharge that is different from usual, or if you want to discuss contraception or testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Being nervous before a pelvic exam is normal, especially if it is your first time. As in other facets of life, consent is important in the medical office; if at any point before or during a pelvic exam you are uncomfortable and want the exam to end, let your provider know. The exam will end immediately, without question, and your needs will be attended to.

UHS Primary Care has a Sensitive Exam policy called It’s Your Choice. Our goal is to provide patients with a comfortable, safe, and secure setting during sensitive examinations, such as pelvic exams. All patients will be offered the opportunity to request a second staff member to be present in the exam room; this staff person is typically a woman. Our provider team includes transgender men, cisgender men, and cisgender women.

The mandatory health fee covers pelvic exams. Some laboratory tests, such as a pregnancy test, Pap test, or tests for STIs, are billed separately from the exam itself. The UR Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna) fully covers laboratory tests. We will submit a bill to your insurance company if this plan does not cover you. Please contact your insurance company directly about coverage details. You are responsible for any part of the bill that is not covered by your health insurance. If you are not the insurance policy holder and have concerns about others, such as parents or guardians, seeing these charges on an insurance statement, learn more about confidential billing.