Before an Internal Pelvic-Floor Exam: Words for the Conversation
Bladder & Pelvic FloorArticleExample questions about the examination, consent, a chaperone and the assessment plan if you prefer to decline.
In this article
If the possibility of an internal examination is making you hesitate about a pelvic-health physiotherapy appointment, contact the team before you arrive. You can ask them to explain the assessment and bring the questions you want answered into the conversation.
Ask what the examination involves
Sussex describes an internal vaginal or rectal examination to check pelvic-floor muscles. The physiotherapist explains the examination before asking for consent; its vaginal assessment does not use a speculum.1
“Please explain what you would examine and why. What information would it add to the assessment of my symptoms?”
Ask the physiotherapist to describe each proposed step before you decide. Tell them which part you are unsure about, rather than trying to guess from the phrase “internal examination.”
Make your decision clear
Sussex says patients do not have to agree to an internal examination and can still receive treatment if they decline.1
“I would like to discuss the options before deciding. If I do not want an internal examination today, how would we approach the assessment and treatment plan?”
Ask your own service what it can offer and what information may remain uncertain. If you need more time to understand the explanation, say so. Have the team tell you how to raise discomfort or ask for a pause if you choose to proceed.
Discuss who is present
Sussex offers a chaperone for the examination. It also asks consent before students or visiting physiotherapists observe or take part; patients can decline their involvement.1
“I would like to know who will be in the room. Can we arrange a chaperone? Please ask me separately about anyone observing.”
Contact the clinic beforehand if you want help arranging support or have questions about who can accompany you. Ask how it handles chaperone requests rather than assuming you need to find someone yourself.
Leave with an assessment plan
Ask what the physiotherapist has learned, what you will try next and when you will review the response. Request instructions for any recommended exercises so that you can clarify the movement before trying it at home.
Keep the contact details and next appointment with those instructions. Bring back questions about any part of the plan you cannot follow.
Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet. Use it to organize your questions alongside the physiotherapy team’s assessment and instructions.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
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Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, 2026Your pelvic health physiotherapy appointment (opens in a new tab)abc
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