“Just Relax”: Physicians' Experiences with Women Who Are Difficult or Impossible to Examine Gynecologically

This study reinforces the importance of being aware of patient discomfort during pelvic exams and of developing strategies that fit the individual patient and her needs. Future research should examine women's perceptions of their reproductive care, particularly correlates of pain and anxiety during pelvic exams, prevalence of negative experiences, and doctor-patient interactions in this context. Huber JD, Pukall CF, Boyer SC, Reissing ED, and Chamberlain SM. “Just relax”: Physicians' experiences with women who are difficult or impossible to examine gynecologically. J Sex Med 2009;6:791-799.