Perception of intimate pelvic examination by gynaecological clinic attendees in rural Southeast Nigeria.

CONTEXT

Intimate gynaecological examinations are part of the necessary retinue in gynaecological consultation and management.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate women's perception of digital and speculum vaginal examinations in rural Southeast Nigeria.

METHODS

This was a prospective descriptive study. Gynaecologic clinic attendees in a Mission hospital in rural Nigeria were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire over a 3-year period.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eighty-six women with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.1 years were interviewed. They presented mainly for infertility (36.8%), menstrual abnormalities (31.1%) and early pregnancy complications (10.7%). Over a quarter of the women felt embarrassed at vaginal examination and 37.2% found it a bit painful or felt discomfort. In spite of the discomfort, 73.7% believed vaginal examination was necessary and over 95% indicated readiness to undergo such examination in future if necessary.

CONCLUSION

Performing intimate gynaecological examination should be a carefully planned procedure with patient's consent, and performed conscientiously taking patient's feelings and emotions into consideration, to engender confidence.