A screening pelvic examination is not recommended for many adolescent or young adult women.
In general, a pelvic examination is not necessary for an asymptomatic, nonpregnant woman who is not at increased risk for a specific gynecologic condition.
Cervical cancer screening with Pap test is recommended to start at 21 years of age (regardless of sexual behaviors or risk factors).
Screening for sexually-transmitted infections can be performed by nucleic acid amplification tests on first-pass urine or self-collected vaginal swab.
A pelvic exam is indicated:
(1) medical history
(2) based on symptoms
(3) shared decision with the patient
(4) intrauterine conceptive device (IUD)
A woman with any of the following need to be evaluated:
(1) history of cervical dysplasia
(2) history of gynecologic malignancy
(3) in utero diethylstilbesterol exposure
