Can Doctors Perform a Pelvic Exam While I'm Asleep?

If you’re going under anesthesia for surgery—especially one that’s not related to your reproductive system—you might not expect anyone to perform a pelvic exam while you’re unconscious. But for years, that’s exactly what happened to many patients, often without their knowledge or permission.

It’s called a pelvic exam under anesthesia, and while it can be medically necessary in some cases, it’s also been performed as a training exercise or surgical routine—without clear consent. That’s a problem.
Let’s talk about what’s changed, and what you need to know to protect yourself.

First: Is That Even Legal?

Until recently, it technically was. In many states, pelvic exams under anesthesia could be performed—often by medical students—without ever informing the patient. That led to an outcry from patients, providers, and lawmakers who recognized this practice for what it was: a violation of bodily autonomy.

As of 2025, more than 30 states have passed laws requiring informed consent before a pelvic or rectal exam is performed under anesthesia—especially if it’s not essential to the procedure you’re having. And even in states without these laws, many hospitals have updated their policies to require consent as a best practice.

So What Does “Informed Consent” Actually Mean?

Informed consent means:

• You’re told ahead of time that a pelvic exam may be performed while you’re under anesthesia

• You know why it’s being done

• You understand who will be doing it (your surgeon, another clinician, a medical student)

• You have the opportunity to say yes or no

It’s not enough for this information to be buried in a stack of forms. Consent should be a conversation.

When Is a Pelvic Exam Under Anesthesia Actually Necessary?

Sometimes, a pelvic exam is a standard part of a reproductive health procedure—like:

• A D&C

• An abortion

• A hysteroscopy

• A surgery involving the uterus, ovaries, or cervix

In these cases, a pelvic exam while you’re under can help a provider assess the position of your uterus, check for abnormalities, or prepare for the procedure.
But that doesn’t mean it should happen without your awareness. It should still be explained—and clearly listed in your surgical consent.

What About Medical Students?

This is where a lot of people feel blindsided. In teaching hospitals, it was once routine for students to perform pelvic exams under anesthesia for learning purposes, even when it wasn’t medically necessary.

Today, that’s changing. Most hospitals and medical schools now require separate, explicit consent before a medical student can perform a pelvic or rectal exam on a patient under anesthesia. And here’s the bottom line:

You have every right to say no.

What Should I Ask Before My Procedure?

If you’re preparing for surgery and want to be sure you’re protected, here are some key questions to ask your provider:

• “Will a pelvic exam be done while I’m under anesthesia?”

• “If so, why is it necessary for this procedure?”

• “Will anyone else—like a medical student—be performing it?”

• “Is this included in the consent form I’m signing today?”

Asking these questions doesn’t make you difficult—it makes you informed.

Why This Matters

Because trust in your provider shouldn’t come at the cost of your autonomy.
Because you have the right to know what’s happening to your body.
Because medical care should be collaborative—not secretive.

At Take Back Trust, we believe every patient deserves transparency, agency, and respect.