How often do you have a recto-vaginal exam?

Each time I got for a routine gyn exam, and yes, in stirrups.

I wouldn't call it "exciting" but it's not unpleasant to have the feeling of being so "full".

My doctor does it every year. But by talking to other girls if this comes up. It seems that men doctors don't do it as much as women doctors. It is the last thing she does and I am in the stirrups.

I have one yearly and I have had it performed by both make and female doctors. Does not mostly depend on if you have an antverted or retroverted uterus? That's what I was told a long time ago and that it's easier to palpate a retroverted with recto/vaginally exam

Its always interesting to see the diversity women experience with regards to the recto-vaginal exam. For many providers, a pelvic exam is considered incomplete without it, especially with a new patient. This is because the rectovaginal exam helps a provider understand your internal anatomy more fully and look for abnormalities missed by the bimanual exam (when two fingers are put inside the vagina and the other hand presses down on the abdomen, examining the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other internal organs).

We were always taught that a pelvic exam consists of four parts: the external genital exam, the speculum exam, the bimanual exam and the rectovaginal exam . You can feel any signs of tumors that might be located behind the uterus, on the lower walls of the vagina or in the rectum.

The procedure lets doctors evaluate the tissue between the uterus and vagina, the tone and alignment of the pelvic organs (like the ovaries and fallopian tubes) and the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. It can even help diagnose a tilted uterus.

This exam is also a chance for doctors to check for rectal bleeding or growths, as well as any other early warnings of colon cancer. This is especially true for women over age 40.

A retroverted uterus means the uterus is tipped backwards so that it aims towards the rectum instead of forward towards the belly other names names for retroverted uterus include tipped uterus, retroflexed uterus and uterine retrodisplacement. So a recto-vaginal exam makes it easier to feel and palpate.

As usual RN 1993 sums it up better than I could. Good work!

I've never experienced a recto-vaginal exam during my gynecological examination. Not even close. The doctor has never so much as touched my butt, not to mention digital penetration. To that end, literally, I imagine it would be very intense and unpleasant ie the worst possible exam experience. So obviously thinking scout it privately now is highly arousing...

I believe as I think I mentioned earlier that in more recent times meaning the past 15-20 years medical schools are now teaching that recto-vaginal exams are not necessary in women who are not symptomatic for anything in that department or in women who have been sectioned. So since I have had 2 sections and am not presenting with any symptoms in that department I would not need to have one done. Make sense?

Women who have had natural child birth are prone to nasty things like vaginal and rectal prolapse, scar tissue, weakened muscle tone, fistulas and incontinence of both b and b just to name a few. A recto-vaginal exam would make sense. But for us lucky bitches who have had c-sections we don't have to worry about those sorts of things. Do they happen to some, yes, but not very often. Which is exactly why I have convinced both of my girls to have c-sections as well. And to all of the granola chewing tree huggers with all due respect, I mean no offence. I have absolutely no regrets and am so very thankful I had to have the first one then was given the choice on the second one. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And I know Doc appreciates my youth like muscle tone in that department. lol, Just saying.

Mashie

After reading this post I would like to hear from a "real" Dr. on here, why women have or don't have a RV exam. My wife prior to her partial hysterectomy (just removed the uterus) she had RV exams sporadically over the years. She has not had one in eighteen years since her hysterectomy. She is fifty one now and has symptoms of menopause. Does the RV exam not check for thinning of the tissue between the rectum and vagina as well as other things to check with this exam? Would like to hear some opinions.

My wife has a rectovaginal exam as part of every pelvic, always while still in the stirrups. She has a retroverted uterus, so it is done to better fully assess her cervix and uterus, according to our PA that performs her exams.

I have not had one. However, I am 42 now and have not had a gyn exam in two years (I am in the every-three-year window because I have not had an abnormal Pap in 15+ years)... I would not be surprised if it is incorporated in the next one.

In truth, I have been hoping/dreading it....

Sadly never had one! :-( I've been tempted to ask my doc why he doesn't do them but I don't think I'd ever get up the courage hehe

Had an ex girlfriend who got one with her first examination. Apparently this doctor did it a routine with most all patients. Her best friend used the same doctor and warned her that he would be performing one.

I the ole two finger deal every other year...i even asked the doctor why not each yea, and she said that it is not nessessary every year under 45. Cant lie...i do enjoy it!

When I was there wth my gf she had one. It was so hot for me and she enjoyed it as well. Can't wait for her to go back.

My wife has never had one, our new doctor this year was the first time she ever had a rectal exam.

It's quite interesting how some doctors always do it and some never do it.You would think the standards would be more universally followed, whatever they may be.

My wife revealed for the first time last night that her doctor now checks her stool for blood at her exam. So I'm guessing rectal/rectovaginal exams are a pretty new thing for her at 48.

I've always gotten one since I was 19. Always surprised me how it seems so mixed as to who gets one and who doesn't.

My wife had never a retro-vaginal exam. She goes for her checkup once a year and is 42 now.

Is it similar to others? Is it more often to be done or quite rare?

I have always this exam during my annual exam. I am in stirrups and with rectal exam it is at the end of examination. First I hated it, but now it's relative OK.

I have only had one at 45 and it was because i was having some health issues. i was done in the stirrups.

I had one during my first exam and it's been the same at most since. I was told that this makes it much easier to assess the whole area because I've got a retroverted uterus. Now I'm on testosterone, and things are thinker and dryer, it feels much more uncomfortable. But if I need it I get it done.

I don't get these at sexual health checks. They're always done with vaginal and anal seoeerste.

I have never had a recto-vaginal.

My gyno does not examine my rectum. She knows that I get a colonoscopy every few years.

My ob/gyn would to them every year at my annual exam.

Annually officially but if the mood takes me ill give myself a recto-vaginal "exam" when masterbating alone.

I have one every year when I go for my pap test. I'm always in the stirrups.

My gf has one every year as part of her pelvic exam after her pap smear is done

Never had one in a real exam. For that matter, nothing has ever gone near my rectum at all in a real exam. I believe this is probably due to my age more than anything else (I'm 27) and there hasn't been a reason to perform one. A friend of mine says her doctor will ask about it like it's an option she can agree to if she wants to be 100% positive that everything is fine. Realistically, I don't think many women enthusiastically say "yes" to a totally optional not really required or recommended recto-vaginal exam though.

A friend of mine says her doctor will ask about it like it's an option she can agree to if she wants to be 100% positive.

That is very interesting. I wonder how many gynecologists offer that option to their patients. I also wonder if it might be age-specific. You know, asking younger patients if they want one whereas the doctor might make it more of a routine part of the exam for a 50 year old woman.

Not to thread drift, but the female doctor I see now always asks me (I'm 48 years old) if I want her to check my prostate. I dont know if that's her way of subtly getting my consent for that type of touching or if she is seriously giving me the opportunity to decline that portion of the exam.