For many women, it may be difficult to relax during a pelvic exam, but it can be a traumatizing experience for survivors of sexual abuse.

Published: May 19, 2022 | Updated: July 15, 2022

For many women, it may be difficult to relax during a pelvic exam, but it can be a traumatizing experience for survivors of sexual abuse.

Although a pelvic exam can help screen for various gynecological conditions, including fibroids and cancer, the procedure may feel intrusive or triggering for some trauma survivors, said Rebecca P. Walker, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care.

“A pelvic exam can be traumatizing for patients who have experienced sexual abuse, and it may not be necessary to conduct one every time a patient sees us,” said Dr. Walker. “Providers should be patient, listen to their patient’s concerns and take the appropriate trauma-informed approach during the visit.”

How to feel more relaxed before a pelvic exam

If the patient feels comfortable, they can share their trauma history with their provider so they can make adjustments to help ease any discomfort. Patients also can advocate for more control over their visit, and should speak up if they feel uncomfortable. The provider can stop the exam for them at any time.

Providers also can keep the patient informed before and during each step of the exam, so the patient knows what is supposed to happen during the procedure and why it is happening. The patient also may ask to bring a trusted person, like a relative or friend, to accompany them inside the exam room to help them remain comfortable and work through any triggers. A nurse also can be in the room with the patient for additional support.

The encounter also can be broken down into more than one visit, allowing the patient to have the opportunity to get used to the office, staff and the exam.

For many women, it may be difficult to relax during a pelvic exam, but it can be a traumatizing experience for survivors of sexual abuse.

Although a pelvic exam can help screen for various gynecological conditions, including fibroids and cancer, the procedure may feel intrusive or triggering for some trauma survivors, said Rebecca P. Walker, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care.

“A pelvic exam can be traumatizing for patients who have experienced sexual abuse, and it may not be necessary to conduct one every time a patient sees us,” said Dr. Walker. “Providers should be patient, listen to their patient’s concerns and take the appropriate trauma-informed approach during the visit.”

How to feel more relaxed before a pelvic exam

If the patient feels comfortable, they can share their trauma history with their provider so they can make adjustments to help ease any discomfort. Patients also can advocate for more control over their visit, and should speak up if they feel uncomfortable. The provider can stop the exam for them at any time.

Providers also can keep the patient informed before and during each step of the exam, so the patient knows what is supposed to happen during the procedure and why it is happening. The patient also may ask to bring a trusted person, like a relative or friend, to accompany them inside the exam room to help them remain comfortable and work through any triggers. A nurse also can be in the room with the patient for additional support.

The encounter also can be broken down into more than one visit, allowing the patient to have the opportunity to get used to the office, staff and the exam.