To make an appointment to be seen, call a Public Health Family Planning Clinic nearest you.

What is a pelvic exam?

The pelvic exam is an important part of your annual exam. It is a way for your health provider to check your female organs and make sure they are healthy. The exam is usually not painful, but it may sometimes be a little uncomfortable. During the exam, you will be tested for cervical cancer (this is called a Pap test and sometimes STDs.

What is a breast exam?

The breast exam is another important part of your annual exam. Your health provider will check your breasts for any unusual lumps or changes that could signal cancer. Your provider will also talk to you about the importance of checking your own breasts every month. This is called breast self-exam (BSE). Women who do monthly BSEs have a much better chance of finding breast cancer early, while it's still very treatable. BSE is easy and only takes a few minutes. Learn about BSE's through the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation website.

The Pap test is a special test done during a woman’s annual pelvic exam. It allows the health provider to find out if cervical cancer or pre-cancer changes may be starting to grow on a woman’s cervix. This type of cancer can be treated very successfully if it is found early. In fact, the Pap test can prevent at least 70% of cervical cancers! That’s why it’s so important to get a pelvic exam every year.

How is the Pap test done?

During your pelvic exam, your health provider will gently scrape your cervix with a tiny brush to get a sample of cervical cells for testing. This test is very quick and should not be painful.

Who should have a Pap test?

Women over age 18 should have a Pap test every year during their annual exam – even women who have never had sexual intercourse, including lesbians and bisexual women. Women under 18 generally don’t need to have a Pap test unless they are sexually active.

Does the Pap test also test for STDs?

No. The Pap test only tests for cervical cancer or pre-cancer changes on your cervix. There are different tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

During your annual pelvic exam, your health provider can test you for two common types of STDs: gonorrhea and chlamydia.

How are the STD tests done?

To do the tests, your provider will use a soft cotton swab to collect a sample of fluid from your vagina or your cervix. This is very quick and painless. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are easily treated when they are diagnosed early.

Will my provider automatically test me for STDs during my annual exam?

Some health providers don't test for STDs during an annual exam unless you tell them you have symptoms of an infection. However, many STDs don't have symptoms. If you think you might be at risk for an STD, make sure to tell your health provider that you want to be tested.

Other STD Tests

If you have questions about other common STDs (like herpes or genital warts) and the tests used to diagnose them, click here for more information.

STDs and Sexual Assault

STDs can sometimes be the result of a sexual assault. If you think you may have an STD resulting from a sexual assault and you live in Western Washington, call the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center's Crisis/Information line at 1 (800) 825-7273. Their advocates are willing to answer questions about what STD tests are recommended, how to talk to your health provider about sexual assault, and legal issues.

• More resources and links for sexual assault