During a pelvic exam, the patient lies on their back with their feet in stirrups, knees bent, and hips slightly elevated. This position allows the doctor to easily access the vagina and cervix for examination.
Here's a breakdown of the position:
- Lying on Back: The patient lies flat on their back on the examination table.
- Feet in Stirrups: The patient's feet are placed in stirrups, which are metal or plastic supports that hold the legs up and out.
- Knees Bent: The patient's knees are bent, bringing their thighs closer to their abdomen.
- Hips Slightly Elevated: The examination table is often tilted slightly upward at the head end, which helps to elevate the patient's hips and make it easier for the doctor to access the pelvic area.
This position is called the lithotomy position, which is commonly used for various gynecological procedures.
