Pelvic Examination 
Complete Pelvic Examopen chapter
Communication with the Patientopen chapter
Explanation of the Examopen chapter
Preparation of Materialsopen chapter
Positioning the Patientopen chapter
The External Examclose chapter
External Exam: Preparation
External Exam: External Genitalia
External Exam: Labia and Clitoris
External Exam: Glands
Perspectives on the External Exam
The Internal Examopen chapter
to the Tutorial List
External Exam: Preparation
There are a number of simple things you can do to make the pelvic exam more comfortable for your patient.

  • You should be sure to maintain eye contact and a verbal dialogue with the patient throughout the exam.
  • Ask her permission before you touch her.
  • Tell her what you are going to do before you do it.
  • Check in with her frequently to see how she is doing.