1) "A pelvic examination, also pelvic exam, is a physical examination of the female pelvic organs. Broadly, it can be divided into the external examination and internal examination. A chaperone is appropriate under some circumstances." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelvic_exam 2) "There are two parts to the internal exam. The first involves a speculum (speck-you-lum), which is a metal or plastic instrument that the practitioner inserts into the vagina. The speculum is shaped sort of like a duck's bill, and once it is inserted into the vaginal canal it can be gently widened to spread the interior vaginal walls. (The vagina is collapsed in its relaxed state, but it can widen easily to accommodate tampons, fingers, penises, and even babies.) As the vaginal walls are spread, the practitioner is able to see clearly the walls of the vagina itself, and up the vaginal canal to the cervix. In viewing the vaginal canal and the cervix, the practitioner can look for discoloration, abnormal discharge, lesions, growths and signs of infection. It is possible for you to look at your own cervix during this process by propping yourself up on your elbows and using a mirror. Some practitioners ask if you would like to do this, but feel free to ask to if she doesn't mention it first. It is incredibly enlightening to actually see what your anatomy looks like, and it can clear up a lot of confusion." Source and further information: "Your First Pelvic Exam" http://www.coolnurse.com/pelvic_exams.htm 3) "Examination of the Female Pelvis" http://medinfo.ufl.edu/year1/bcs/clist/pelvic.html