rectovaginal exam
(REK-toh-VA-jih-nul eg-ZAM)
A physical exam of the rectum and vagina. During a rectovaginal exam, a health care provider inserts one lubricated, gloved finger into the vagina and another finger of the same hand into the rectum, and presses on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This allows the health care provider to feel for lumps or other abnormal changes in the rectum and vagina and to check the size, shape, and position of the pelvic organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. A small sample of stool may be collected to check for blood. A rectovaginal exam may be done as part of a pelvic exam.