What to expect at your pelvic health visit

It's normal to feel nervous (or not) about your first visit to pelvic therapy. Your therapist is familiar with people not being sure what to expect, and will be ready to answer your questions. They will also be ready to share what to expect from your time together. However, you can get a head start on your expectations by reading through this information.

It's important that you understand the ways in which your therapist might interact with your body. If you have any questions, please ask them. You can say "no" to any part of this exam and ask to have an exam ended at any point. You are always in charge of your body during your exam.

Even bowel, bladder, pelvic, and sexual function concerns are tied to your whole body. Your therapist will likely want to take a look at how your body is put together and how you move to see if there are any larger themes that might be playing a role in your concerns. Sometimes some easy changes and ideas can be found here that can make a big difference in how quickly you meet your goals!

There might be an assessment of your trunk, legs, arms, and an exam of the outside of the pelvic area. Sometimes it will involve palpating (using their fingers to feel what your muscles are doing) your perineal area (over or under clothes). Sometimes it might involve a visual inspection of the genitals (especially if there are complaints of pain or pressure). Our goal is to figure out what is causing your issues and help you solve them. Multiple angles of evaluation give us a better idea of how to help you.

The examiner will help you into a comfortable position with appropriate coverage for your body. Often there are no stirrups or speculum as part of the exam. The pelvic therapist uses gloves and examination lubricant. The therapist is feeling for several things: abnormalities in the tissue, your ability to control (squeeze and relax) different parts, and whether there is any pain or discomfort present. The therapist will explain your anatomy to you as they are doing the examination, which is often a really empowering experience for people

For many pelvic floor and pelvic area issues, having a more thorough idea of what the muscles and internal structures are doing (or where exactly pain is elicited) can be extremely helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. During an internal exam, your therapist can also get an idea of how your nervous system works and create ways to help you calm it.

No. You have the right to make decisions about your body at all times. If your therapist is recommending one and you are not sure if you're willing, talk to your therapist about your boundaries and/or barriers so you can weigh the benefits and risks as you make your informed decision. Some conditions may not need an internal exam at all.

Some people benefit from internal techniques to address their issues and so internal work might be more of a regular occurrence. Some people need an assessment and then only external treatment, and then possibly a reassessment internally after progress is made. If you have concerns, talk to your therapist to come up with the best plan for YOU

Wear something comfortable that you can move in. Something that is easy to change in and out of may be helpful as well