Pelvic Exams
Comfortable, Compassionate Pelvic Exams for Women in Illinois
Gentle, physician-led women's health screening from a doctor who takes the time to listen
A pelvic exam is one of the most important tools in protecting your reproductive and overall health, yet for many women it is also one of the most anxiety-inducing appointments to schedule. At Sina Medical Direct Primary Care, we do it differently. Dr. Syeda Farheen Ali, MD, performs each exam with a gentle, unhurried approach, clear explanations at every step, and the time to answer your questions fully, so you feel informed and at ease rather than rushed through a conveyor belt.
A thorough pelvic exam allows us to screen for gynecological cancers, infections, cysts, fibroids, and other conditions long before symptoms appear, and to evaluate concerns like pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or discomfort. As your direct primary care physician, Dr. Ali already knows your history and your goals, so your exam is never an isolated event but part of ongoing, personalized care for your whole health.
- Same-Day & Next-Day Visits
- No Copays, No Insurance Hassle
- Triple Board-Certified Physician
With our flat $89 per month membership, there are no copays, no insurance billing, and no surprise fees. You get same-day or next-day appointments, direct access to your physician, and wholesale-price labs, whether you visit our Frankfort, Illinois office in person or connect through secure telemedicine from anywhere in Illinois.
What a Pelvic Exam Screens For
A routine pelvic exam is a powerful, preventive screening tool. Here is what Dr. Ali evaluates and watches for during your visit.
Cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers
Vaginal and urinary tract infections
Ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids
Endometriosis and uterine abnormalities
Pelvic organ prolapse
Signs of inflammation or abnormal growths
Genital skin conditions and lesions
Causes of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding
Reproductive and fertility-related concerns
How Your Pelvic Exam Works at Sina Medical Direct Primary Care
A Private, Unhurried Conversation
Your visit begins with a relaxed discussion of your health history, symptoms, and any concerns. Dr. Ali listens carefully and explains exactly what to expect before anything begins, so there are no surprises.
Gentle External and Speculum Exam
Dr. Ali performs a visual inspection of the external genital area, followed by a gentle speculum exam to view the vaginal canal and cervix. She works at your pace and keeps you comfortable throughout.
Bimanual Exam and Any Needed Tests
Using a gloved hand, Dr. Ali gently examines the uterus and ovaries for size, shape, and tenderness. If indicated, she collects a Pap smear or other samples. The full exam typically takes just 10 to 15 minutes.
Clear Results and Next Steps
Dr. Ali reviews findings with you directly and, thanks to wholesale-price labs, orders any follow-up testing affordably. You leave with a clear understanding of your results and a personalized plan.
Benefits of Pelvic Exams at Sina Medical Direct Primary Care
Early detection of cancers and serious conditions
A gentle, patient-first approach to your comfort
Same-day and next-day appointments
Direct text and call access to your physician
Wholesale-price labs and Pap testing
No copays and no insurance hassles
In-person or secure telehealth follow-up
Care from a doctor who knows your full history
Time to ask questions without feeling rushed
What We Treat
Who Should Consider a Pelvic Exam
Regular pelvic exams are a cornerstone of preventive women's health, and the right schedule depends on your age, history, and symptoms.
Guidelines generally recommend routine pelvic exams for women beginning at age 21, with Pap smear screening every one to three years for asymptomatic women aged 21 to 65. Women with chronic conditions, prior abnormal results, or a family history of gynecological cancers may benefit from more frequent monitoring.
You should also consider an exam any time you experience new or unexplained symptoms, such as pelvic pain, abnormal or heavy bleeding, unusual discharge, or discomfort during intercourse. These can be evaluated promptly rather than waiting for an annual visit.
If you are unsure when your last exam was or whether you are due, Dr. Ali will review your history with you and recommend a screening schedule tailored to your individual needs, never a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Meet Dr. Ali
Dr. Syeda Farheen Ali, MD, is a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, and is additionally certified in menopause and women's hormone therapy. This breadth of training means your pelvic exam is informed by a deep understanding of women's health across every stage of life.
Patients consistently describe Dr. Ali's care as gentle, attentive, and thorough. She takes the time to listen closely, explain each step clearly, and make what can feel like a stressful appointment as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
As the founder of Sina Medical Direct Primary Care in Frankfort, Illinois, Dr. Ali serves patients across the entire state, both in person and through secure telemedicine. Her direct primary care model gives you unrushed appointments and ongoing access to a physician who truly knows you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pelvic exam hurt?
A pelvic exam should not be painful, though some women feel mild pressure or brief discomfort. Dr. Ali uses a gentle technique, explains each step in advance, and works at your pace to keep you as comfortable as possible. If you feel any discomfort during the exam, simply let her know and she will adjust.
Is a Pap smear the same as a pelvic exam?
They are related but not identical. A pelvic exam evaluates your reproductive organs through visual, speculum, and bimanual examination. A Pap smear is a specific test that collects cells from the cervix to screen for cervical cancer, and it may be performed during your pelvic exam if it is due or indicated.
How long does the exam take?
The pelvic exam itself typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on whether additional tests such as a Pap smear are needed. Because Sina Medical Direct Primary Care is a direct primary care practice, your overall visit is never rushed, and Dr. Ali allows ample time for your questions and concerns.
How often should I have a pelvic exam?
Recommendations vary by age and health history. Many women aged 21 to 65 have Pap screening every one to three years, while those with chronic conditions or prior abnormal results may need more frequent exams. Dr. Ali will help you determine the right schedule for your individual needs.
Is the exam covered by my membership?
Yes. Your flat $89 per month membership includes unlimited visits with no copays and no insurance billing, so your pelvic exam and physician time are covered. Any labs, such as a Pap smear, are available at wholesale prices, and direct primary care memberships are HSA-eligible starting January 1, 2026.
Can I see Dr. Ali if I have symptoms between routine exams?
Absolutely. As a member, you have direct text, call, and telehealth access to Dr. Ali, plus same-day or next-day appointments. If you notice pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or other concerns, you can be seen promptly rather than waiting for a scheduled annual visit.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Syeda Farheen Ali, MD Triple Board-Certified Physician in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine Last updated: July 2026
The Problem
Why the Traditional System Fails Patients
What an ER or urgent care bills for issues we treat the same day
The average appointment in traditional, insurance-driven care
Of patients delay or skip care over cost, wait times, or access
A flat Sina membership — everything included, no copays, no surprise bills
What's Covered
Everything Included In Your Membership
One flat monthly membership covers comprehensive care across every category below — with no copays, no hidden fees, and direct access to Dr. Ali.
- Unlimited same-day and next-day visits
- Telehealth across Illinois
- Direct text and call access to Dr. Ali
- Annual physicals and preventive care
- Acute and urgent care (flu, UTI, strep, rash, ear infections)
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, COPD, sleep apnea)
- Women's health: HRT, menopause care, Pap smears, breast exams
- Men's health: testosterone, preventive care, cardiovascular health
- GLP-1 prescriptions (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)
- Medical weight loss management
- Labs at wholesale cost (70 to 90 percent off retail)
- Generic medications at cost
- Specialist referral coordination
- Sick Visits
- Cold, Flu & Viral Illness Treatment
- Sore Throat & Strep Testing
- Sinus Infections
- Pneumonia Evaluation & Treatment
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
- STI Testing & Sexual Health Screening
- Skin Rashes & Minor Skin Conditions
- Minor Lacerations & Wound Care
- Suture/staple Removal
- Muscle Strains & Sprains
- Joint Pain Evaluation
- Ear Wax Removal
- Return-to-Work Clearance Visits
- Stomach Flu & Digestive Illnesses
- Well-Woman Exams, Pap Smear
- Menopause & Perimenopause Care
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)
- Pap Smears & Cervical Cancer Screening
- Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Health Support
- Thyroid Hormone Optimization
- Fatigue & Hormonal Imbalance Treatment
- Weight Loss for Women
- Preventive Women's Health Care
- Men's Preventive Care
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
- Hormone Optimization for Men
- Men's Weight Loss Programs
- Andropause / Male Menopause Support
- Metabolic Health & Energy Optimization
- Physician-Guided Weight Loss Programs
- GLP Therapy (Semaglutide / Tirzepatide)
- Personalized Nutrition Counseling
- Exercise & Lifestyle Planning
- Metabolic Syndrome Management
- Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes
- Ongoing Progress Monitoring
- Bariatric Surgery Referrals When Appropriate
- Diabetes & Prediabetes
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
- Thyroid Disorders
- Asthma & COPD
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Sleep Apnea
- Fatty Liver Disease & IBS
- Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis
- Heartburn & Acid Reflux
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Lifestyle Medicine Counseling
- Sustainable Habit Development
- Disease Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Long-Term Wellness Planning
- Nutrition & Exercise Coaching
- Functional & Root-Cause Focused
- Stress & Sleep Optimization
Healthcare as It Should Be — Personalized, Accessible, Affordable
Join Sina Medical Direct Primary Care and experience healthcare that's personal, preventive, and truly built around you — not the insurance system.