Performance of the Gynaecological Examination in the Lateral Decubitus Position

Plain-language summary

The gynaecological examination consists of a breast examination, abdominal examination, inspection of the vulva, vaginal touch and pelvic examination with a speculum. The latter is essential for the insertion and removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs), for the diagnosis and screening of pathologies that may cause pelvic symptoms, for assessment of the vaginal wall and for regular screening for cervical cancer. The gynaecological examination is feared by many women because of the feeling of exposure, vulnerability and loss of control. The parallel with a sexual position is particularly disturbing for patients who do not want to see this representation mixed with a medical necessity, which can lead some women to have irregular or even discontinued follow-up. For the past ten years, medical practice theses and midwifery dissertations have evaluated the interest of another position for the pelvic examination with the speculum : the lateral decubitus position in which the patient lies on her side. The lateral decubitus pelvic examination seems to be an alternative for comfort and respect for modesty, which is favoured by the patients. This examination position would have advantages in situations of anterior anatomical position of the position of the cervix, prolapse, severe obesity, hip pathology or significant reluctance to the examination. The effectiveness of this technique in terms of examination performance needs to be evaluated to promote its dissemination. The impact of an examination that is better experienced by patients is that of better adherence and therefore better follow-up, which is the particular challenge of primary care. Single group: gynaecological examination in lateral decubitus, conventional repositioning if unsuccessful

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