Pelvic & Urine Examinations

A Pelvic examination is essential to diagnosis as it allows us to evaluate for vaginal prolapse, the estrogen status of your vaginal tissue, evidence of urinary leakage, and the strength of your pelvic floor and muscles. We will also perform a pelvic examination to evaluate for other related gynecologic problems which may be impacting your symptoms. Although many women fear this examination, this test should be painless and will be performed in a professional manner. We will do all we can to ensure your comfort and privacy during the examination.

A Urine examination will be performed and may include a culture of your urine if an infection is suspected. This allows us to verify if an infection is the source of your symptoms or if there is blood in you urine. Many menopausal women or those with prolapse may have urine infections without the typical symptoms.

After the initial examination confirms pelvic floor problems, urinary incontinence, or voiding dysfunction, you will be asked to complete a bladder diary at home. For three days, we will ask you to record the times of all your voids, any episodes of urge feelings or leakage, and your fluid intake. We will use this information to treat your problem. Therefore, it is vital that you return the completed form to our office.

Following the initial visit and pelvic examination, we may recommend that you return for one or more of the following tests.