&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;76&quot; data-end=&quot;149&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Overview&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;151&quot; data-end=&quot;635&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;A vaginal examination is a routine part of reproductive and sexual health care. Whether you&#39;re experiencing symptoms like pain or &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-discharge&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;discharge&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; or simply attending a regular checkup, this type of exam helps healthcare providers assess the health of your reproductive organs. While often associated with cisgender women, it&amp;rsquo;s crucial to acknowledge that transgender and non-binary individuals with vaginas also benefit from these exams&amp;mdash;and inclusive, respectful care is essential for all.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;642&quot; data-end=&quot;680&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;642&quot; data-end=&quot;680&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;645&quot; data-end=&quot;680&quot;&gt;Why Vaginal Exams Are Important&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;682&quot; data-end=&quot;741&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Vaginal exams are performed for various reasons, including&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;744&quot; data-end=&quot;791&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Investigating pelvic pain or &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-discharge&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;abnormal discharge&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;794&quot; data-end=&quot;846&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;849&quot; data-end=&quot;897&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/pap-smear&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Performing a Pap smear to detect cervical cancer&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;900&quot; data-end=&quot;956&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Checking reproductive organs like the uterus and ovaries&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;959&quot; data-end=&quot;1018&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Monitoring chronic conditions such as &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-treatment-symptoms-causes-singapore&quot;&gt;PCOS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1020&quot; data-end=&quot;1092&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;These exams are a key part of preventive healthcare and early diagnosis.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1099&quot; data-end=&quot;1135&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1099&quot; data-end=&quot;1135&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1102&quot; data-end=&quot;1135&quot;&gt;Preparing for the Appointment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1137&quot; data-end=&quot;1190&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Before the exam begins, your provider will ask about&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1193&quot; data-end=&quot;1213&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Your medical history&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1216&quot; data-end=&quot;1244&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Menstrual cycle and symptoms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1247&quot; data-end=&quot;1262&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Sexual activity&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1265&quot; data-end=&quot;1314&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Any specific concerns or pain you&amp;rsquo;re experiencing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1316&quot; data-end=&quot;1514&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;You&amp;rsquo;ll be asked to undress from the waist down and will be provided with a drape for privacy. It&amp;rsquo;s okay to bring a support person or request modifications to the exam setup to feel more comfortable.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1521&quot; data-end=&quot;1571&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1521&quot; data-end=&quot;1571&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1524&quot; data-end=&quot;1571&quot;&gt;What Happens During the Vaginal Examination&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1573&quot; data-end=&quot;1618&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The exam typically includes three main parts:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;1620&quot; data-end=&quot;1644&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1624&quot; data-end=&quot;1644&quot;&gt;1. External Exam&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1645&quot; data-end=&quot;1791&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The healthcare provider inspects the vulva for signs of irritation, swelling, sores, or abnormalities. This part is visual and generally painless.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;1793&quot; data-end=&quot;1817&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1797&quot; data-end=&quot;1817&quot;&gt;2. Speculum Exam&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1818&quot; data-end=&quot;2057&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;A sterile instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina. This helps the provider see the vaginal walls and cervix. It&amp;rsquo;s during this stage that a &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/pap-smear&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1981&quot; data-end=&quot;1994&quot;&gt;Pap smear&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; may be performed to collect cells from the cervix for testing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2059&quot; data-end=&quot;2166&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Tip: You can ask your provider to use a smaller speculum or apply extra lubrication to minimize discomfort.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;2168&quot; data-end=&quot;2192&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2172&quot; data-end=&quot;2192&quot;&gt;3. Bimanual Exam&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2193&quot; data-end=&quot;2415&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The provider will insert one or two gloved fingers into the vagina while pressing on the abdomen with the other hand. This allows them to assess the size, shape, and position of internal organs like the uterus and ovaries.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2422&quot; data-end=&quot;2489&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2422&quot; data-end=&quot;2489&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2425&quot; data-end=&quot;2489&quot;&gt;Inclusive Care for Transmasculine and Non-Binary Individuals&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2491&quot; data-end=&quot;2618&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;For transmasculine individuals, vaginal exams can be particularly sensitive due to gender dysphoria or past trauma. That&amp;rsquo;s why:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-start=&quot;2619&quot; data-end=&quot;2968&quot;&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2619&quot; data-end=&quot;2680&quot;&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2621&quot; data-end=&quot;2680&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Your &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2626&quot; data-end=&quot;2657&quot;&gt;preferred name and pronouns&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; should always be used.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2681&quot; data-end=&quot;2747&quot;&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2683&quot; data-end=&quot;2747&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;You have the right to &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2705&quot; data-end=&quot;2725&quot;&gt;refuse or modify&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; any part of the exam.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2748&quot; data-end=&quot;2836&quot;&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2750&quot; data-end=&quot;2836&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;You can ask for a &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2768&quot; data-end=&quot;2796&quot;&gt;trans-competent provider&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; who is trained to offer affirming care.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2837&quot; data-end=&quot;2900&quot;&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2839&quot; data-end=&quot;2900&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;You may benefit from &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2860&quot; data-end=&quot;2899&quot;&gt;bringing a friend or support person&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2901&quot; data-end=&quot;2968&quot;&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2903&quot; data-end=&quot;2968&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Take time to &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2916&quot; data-end=&quot;2942&quot;&gt;breathe, ask questions&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, and go at your own pace.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2970&quot; data-end=&quot;3075&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Healthcare providers must approach every exam with empathy, understanding, and a trauma-informed mindset.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3082&quot; data-end=&quot;3103&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3082&quot; data-end=&quot;3103&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3085&quot; data-end=&quot;3103&quot;&gt;After the Exam&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3105&quot; data-end=&quot;3191&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;You may feel a little cramping or spotting&amp;mdash;this is normal. Your provider will explain:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3194&quot; data-end=&quot;3223&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;What they found (if anything)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3226&quot; data-end=&quot;3275&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;When your Pap smear or test results will be ready&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3278&quot; data-end=&quot;3304&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Any recommended next steps&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3306&quot; data-end=&quot;3388&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If something feels off after the exam, don&amp;rsquo;t hesitate to reach out to your clinic.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3395&quot; data-end=&quot;3446&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3395&quot; data-end=&quot;3446&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3398&quot; data-end=&quot;3446&quot;&gt;Your Right to Respectful, Compassionate Care&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3448&quot; data-end=&quot;3503&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Every patient, regardless of gender identity, deserves:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3506&quot; data-end=&quot;3540&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3506&quot; data-end=&quot;3526&quot;&gt;Informed consent&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; at every step&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3543&quot; data-end=&quot;3596&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The ability to &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3558&quot; data-end=&quot;3575&quot;&gt;pause or stop&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; the exam at any time&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3599&quot; data-end=&quot;3631&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;A &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3601&quot; data-end=&quot;3631&quot;&gt;non-judgmental environment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3634&quot; data-end=&quot;3665&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3634&quot; data-end=&quot;3653&quot;&gt;Confidentiality&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and privacy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3667&quot; data-end=&quot;3779&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If at any point you feel uncomfortable, speak up. You&amp;rsquo;re in control of your body and your healthcare experience.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3805&quot; data-end=&quot;4173&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3786&quot; data-end=&quot;3803&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3789&quot; data-end=&quot;3803&quot;&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3805&quot; data-end=&quot;4173&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Vaginal examinations are a vital tool for maintaining reproductive and sexual health. While they may feel vulnerable, especially for transmasculine individuals, inclusive and compassionate care makes a significant difference. Choose a provider who listens, respects, and supports you. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued&amp;mdash;especially in healthcare settings.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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