PV in the context of gynecology stands for per vaginal, referring to a physical examination conducted via the vagina. It's not a specific area of gynecology itself, but rather a method of examination used within various gynecological procedures. A per vaginal (PV) examination is indicated when there's a concern about a non-uterine cause of vaginal bleeding, the presence of clots in the cervix causing pain or vaginal symptoms, trauma, peritonism, significant bleeding, or shock.
When is a PV Examination Used?
The references highlight several scenarios where a PV exam is relevant in gynecological care:
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Investigating Vaginal Bleeding: A PV examination helps determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially when it's suspected to originate outside the uterus. This could include situations of suspected trauma or other non-uterine sources. [Source: PV examination- indicated if there is concern about a local non uterine cause of bleeding or about clots in the os leading to pain or vaginal symptoms. We suggest PV examination in cases of trauma, peritonism, large volume bleeding and shock.]
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Assessing for Complications During Pregnancy: Although the provided text focuses on non-pregnant cases of PV bleeding, the implication is that this diagnostic tool is not limited to such cases. PV examinations are sometimes performed to diagnose and monitor conditions like ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, which can involve vaginal bleeding. [Source: Per vaginal bleeding | Emergency Care Institute; Ectopic Pregnancy | ACOG; Molar pregnancy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic; Bleeding in Early Pregnancy - PMC]
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Detecting Infections or Abnormalities: During routine checkups or when symptoms suggest a problem, a PV examination can aid in detecting infections or abnormalities within the vagina or cervix. [Source: What is a pelvic exam? Procedure and results]
Types of PV Examinations
While the term "PV gynecology" isn't a formal medical classification, understanding the context of PV examination within gynecology is crucial. Different types of examinations might be performed depending on the clinical situation, including visual inspections, palpation, and the collection of samples for laboratory testing.
