What is the optimal wording to chart a normal pelvic examination?

Optimal Charting Language for a Normal Pelvic Examination

For a normal pelvic examination, document: "External genitalia: normal female anatomy without lesions. Speculum exam: cervix pink, smooth, nulliparous/parous os, no discharge or lesions. Bimanual exam: uterus anteverted/retroverted, normal size, mobile, nontender. Adnexa nontender, no masses palpated. No cervical motion tenderness." 1

Essential Components to Document

External Genitalia

• Document the vulva, perineum, and anus as "normal female anatomy without lesions, masses, or abnormalities" 1, 2
• This inspection is non-invasive and should be included in all pelvic examinations 3

Cervical Findings

• Position: Document as anterior, mid-position, or posterior 1
• Appearance: Normal cervix should be described as "pink, smooth, and uniform in color and texture" 1
• Consistency: Document as "firm" in nonpregnant women 3
• Os: Specify "nulliparous os" (small, circular) or "parous os" (slit-like) based on obstetric history 1
• Discharge/lesions: State "no abnormal discharge, no lesions, no friability" 1

Uterine Assessment

• Size: Document as "normal size" (approximately 7-8 cm length in nonpregnant state) or compare to gestational weeks if pregnant 4, 1
• Position: Specify "anteverted," "retroverted," or "midposition" 4, 1
• Contour: State "regular contour" 4
• Consistency: Document as "firm" for nonpregnant uterus 3
• Mobility: Note "mobile" and "nontender" 3

Adnexal Examination

• Document as "adnexa nontender bilaterally, no masses palpated" 1, 3
• Critical caveat: Normal ovaries are usually barely palpable or not palpable at all in most women—this is normal 3
• Avoid stating "normal ovaries palpated" unless you genuinely felt distinct ovarian tissue, as this creates false documentation 3

Cervical Motion Tenderness

• Explicitly document "no cervical motion tenderness" to rule out pelvic inflammatory disease 3, 2

Cul-de-sac Assessment

• If performing transvaginal ultrasound concurrently, document "cul-de-sac: no free fluid" 4, 1

Common Documentation Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never document "normal ovaries palpated" unless you genuinely palpated distinct ovarian structures—normal ovaries are typically not palpable, and claiming to feel them when you didn't creates medicolegal risk 3
• Avoid vague terms like "unremarkable" or "within normal limits" without specifying what structures were examined 1
• Don't omit cervical motion tenderness assessment in symptomatic patients, as this is critical for diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease 3, 2
• Avoid misinterpreting cervical ectropion (visible squamocolumnar junction) as pathology—this is a normal developmental finding, especially in adolescents and young women 1

Context-Specific Considerations

When Examination is Indicated

• Document pelvic examination findings only when clinically indicated by symptoms (vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, dyspareunia) 4, 2
• Routine screening pelvic examinations in asymptomatic women are not recommended and should not be performed 4, 5

Patient Comfort Documentation

• Consider documenting patient tolerance: "Patient tolerated examination well without significant discomfort" 1
• This is particularly important given that 30-35% of women experience anxiety, pain, or discomfort during pelvic examinations 4, 5