Tests and examinations

Know what may happen before it happens.

The right evaluation depends on the concern. Not every visit requires every exam or test.

A clinician shows a patient an examination instrument and self-collection kit before discussing which steps are relevant. — Original editorial illustration. Not clinical evidence or a diagnostic image.

Conversation first

A clinician may ask about timing, location, pregnancy possibility, periods, sexual exposure, products, medications, hormones, surgery, and what makes symptoms better or worse.

You can ask why a question matters
You can use the appointment note
Relevant anatomy matters more than assumptions about identity

Possible examination

Depending on the concern, an exam may include looking at external skin, gentle touch, a speculum exam, or a bimanual pelvic exam. Each part should have a reason and ongoing consent.

Ask what each step can show
Request a pause, different position, smaller instrument, or support person
You can decline or stop

Possible tests

Urine, vaginal swabs, self-collected samples, blood tests, pregnancy testing, cervical screening, biopsy, ultrasound, or other imaging may be considered depending on the situation.

Ask how and when results will arrive
Screening is different from testing a symptom
A negative test does not answer every possible cause

Sources for this pathway

ACOGThe Initial Reproductive Health Visit ACOGPain Management for In-Office Uterine and Cervical Procedures USPSTFCervical Cancer: Screening UCSF Gender Affirming Health ProgramTransgender Patients and the Physical Examination