Do you still have to get pelvic exams even though you've had a Gardasil vaccination?
– Georgia*

You might need to get a pelvic exam. It all depends on your age and whether you've ever had sex.

Doctors recommend that all girls start seeing a gynecologist between ages 13 and 15 — but a visit to the gynecologist may not involve a pelvic exam. It's up to the doctor to decide if a teen girl needs a pelvic exam based on her medical history and physical health. Everyone's different.

All girls should get a pelvic exam if they've ever had sex — even if they had the full series of HPV (Gardasil) shots. That's because pelvic exams help doctors check for other STDs, not just HPV.

People don't always know that they have some STDs, like gonorrhea or chlamydia. A pelvic exam is the best way to find out so a girl can get treatment. So although getting a pelvic exam may seem scary (it's not as bad as it sounds), if your doc recommends one, you should go ahead.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: December 2008

Have a question? Email us.

Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

• Contact Us
• Print
• Additional resources

• Send to a friend
• Reprint guidelines

Share this page using:

What are these?

• Delicious