Internal Examinations
What Are They and What to Expect
This will be indicated only if this is necessary. For a thorough evaluation/treatment, it provides a better understanding of the nature of your pelvic floor condition. An external evaluation/treatment can also be provided if you are not comfortable with undergoing an internal treatment. An internal assessment is performed with informed consent and will not be performed without your consent or approval​.
Internal examination is the assessment of the pelvic floor muscles transvaginally or transrectally. This examination is different from an exam you may receive during a gynecology appointment, in that there are no instruments. Your physical therapist will use a single, gloved finger to assess the strength, endurance, motor control, muscle tone, tension, pliability, and palpation of your pelvic floor muscles. This allows your physical therapist to gain baseline information in order to appropriately set and meet goals.
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Please note that at any moment during the internal examination, you have the right and freedom to stop the examination. Your safety and comfort is a priority.