Children's anticipation of and response to colposcopic examination.

Just prior to and following general physical and colposcopic anogenital exams, 43 mothers and daughters (3-15 years), referred because of allegations of sexual abuse, were interviewed separately to determine their knowledge of and feelings about the exam. Children were not retraumatized by the examination of their anogenital anatomy. Although poorly prepared for it, children reported medical staff touch to their genitals, anus, and buttocks at a higher rate than touch to all other body locations, 84.5% versus 16%, but did not rate that touch as more painful. Children were significantly less distressed after the exam; mothers were not.