Relaxation/mental imagery (self-hypnosis) and pelvic examinations in adolescents.

A first pelvic examination in a teenage woman is often an anxiety-producing and/or a terrifying event. The anxiety of this first examination, coupled with the inherent stresses of adolescence, creates important crucial expectations for future examinations. Self-hypnosis, i.e., relaxation/mental imagery has been extremely useful as an adjunct in achieving comfort and relaxation for the adolescent during the examination. In addition, it assists in developing an increased sense of self-control. Approaches and techniques of relaxation/mental imagery are illustrated in four representative case reports. Current theories and applications of clinical hypnosis are briefly discussed.