A Survey of College Women's Experiences with and Attitudes toward Pelvic Examinations

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Abstract
A questionnaire assessing college women's experiences with and attitudes towards pelvic examinations was mailed to every 20th woman registered at Colorado State University in 1977. The response rate was, 76% (N = 254). Of the respondents, 17% had never had a pelvic examination, and most of these women expressed apprehension about the exam. Of those with examination experience, most respondents had had fewer than five exams (mean age at first exam = 17.95 years), were sexually active, were now obtaining examinations routinely, and had had their first examination for preponderantly nonpathologic reasons. Attitudes towards the examination were mixed, with respondents disagreeing on their preference for particular elements of the examination situation. These results are presented in the context of attacks on gynecologic practice offered by the women's health movement, women practitioners, sexual counselors, lesbians, and some gynecologists. It is argued that objective data regarding experiences and attitudes ...

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