Pelvic examination (2016)

Summary of recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care adopted the American College of Physicians' (ACP) 2014 recommendation on the use of pelvic examinations to screen for cancer (other than cervical cancer), pelvic inflammatory disease and other gynecological conditions. The recommendation applies to the screening pelvic examination in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adult women. It should be noted, however, that pelvic examination is warranted in other clinical situations, such as diagnosing gynecological conditions in symptomatic women or monitoring a previously diagnosed condition.

Recommendation

The Task Force recommends not performing a pelvic examination to screen for non-cervical cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease or other gynecological conditions in asymptomatic women.

(Strong recommendation; moderate quality evidence)