The Timing of the First Pelvic Exam

The first pelvic examination: A rite of passage for the women. A qualitative study about French women

“…Previous studies and our study analysed women's experience of their first gynaecological examination and found the following important concepts: the major status of the patient-centred practitioner, whom the woman has chosen, and the importance of individualised preparation and information during the examination. We confirm that our results can be extrapolated to other countries We also propose recommendations to countries that have a similar socioeconomic framework as that of France [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…The international recommendations regarding the first pelvic examination are based on the experiences of practitioners [6]. Most recommendations are consistent with the expectations of the women interviewed in our study [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]22]. However, we would like to propose the addition of recommendations, based on women's experiences.…”

“…A good experience is particularly important for the first examination, although the same precautions need to be taken for all pelvic examinations. To optimise the women's experience of this examination, we envisage creating French recommendations similar to those used in other countries [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”

“…The international literature contains practical recommendations for healthcare professionals conducting a first-time pelvic examination on patients. These recommendations are found primarily in North American journals [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and are mostly based on practitioners' experience.…”

Screening Adolescent Gynecology in the Pediatrician's Office: Have a Listen, Take a Look

“…The absence of an indication to perform a Pap smear does not diminish the need for STD screening in adolescents. However, as noted in the article by Nicoletti and Tonelli,(3) the availability of NAAT testing to screen for gonorrhea and Chlamydia reduces the need for a pelvic examination and, in effect, increases the age at which the first pelvic examination is necessary.…”