The pelvic exam consists of a "bimanual" examination of your pelvic organs. During the bimanual exam, the doctor will insert gloved fingers inside your vagina or rectum and will press on your lower abdomen with the other hand. During the exam, a device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina. The speculum is opened to widen the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be seen. With this method, the doctor can feel your reproductive organs and can detect abnormalities. This exam is much more accurate in non-obese women.

An anorectal manometry measures the strength of the anal sphincter muscles, sensation in the rectum, and the reflexes needed for normal bowel movement. It uses a catheter to check pressure in the anal canal while resting and squeezing.

A colonoscopy is the visual exam of the rectum and colon (large intestine). The exam is done with a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. This instrument allows the doctor to view the inside of your rectum and colon. Read more...

A defecography test that uses x-rays and dye to look at the bowel and how it functions.

Electromyography (EMG) measures and records the electrical activity of a muscle. The test can record a muscle's electrical activity at rest or during a muscle contraction. Read more...

An endoanal ultrasound test uses sound waves to make a picture. It is used to detect any injury to anal sphincter muscles.

PNTML testing uses an electrode in the anal canal to evaluate how well the nerves are working.

Urodynamics tests the function of the nerves and muscles of the bladder.