Women's experiences of pelvic examination: an interview study

Abstract

This qualitative study was designed to explore women's experiences when undergoing pelvic examination (PE). Earlier studies have shown that women are positive to the PE in general, but when describing the specific parts of the procedure, negative terms are used, for example, fear, pain, feelings of humiliation and embarrassment. Data were collected by tape-recorded narrative interviews, with six women aged 20-41 years, who had undergone several PE. A qualitative content analysis was used and three main themes were revealed: the experience of being exposed, the experience of having a trusting relationship with the examiner and the experience of a comforting environment. The findings revealed that it was not only the PE that affected the women, but also the relationship to the examiner. The experience of being exposed could be decreased by, for example, separating the body from the person, being able to relax and by having a trusting relationship with the examiner. The women appreciated having a homelike environment in the outpatient clinic. If women are met and confirmed in accordance with these findings, the examination may be an event without negative experiences for them.