Umeora Ouj1, G O Igberase, J N Eze, B N Ejikeme. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, PO Box 980, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 480001, Nigeria. oujair@yahoo.com
Abstract
CONTEXT: Intimate gynaecological examinations are part of the necessary retinue in gynaecological consultation and management. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate women's perception of digital and speculum vaginal examinations in rural Southeast Nigeria. METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive study. Gynaecologic clinic attendees in a Mission hospital in rural Nigeria were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire over a 3-year period. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-six women with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.1 years were interviewed. They presented mainly for infertility (36.8%), menstrual abnormalities (31.1%) and early pregnancy complications (10.7%). Over a quarter of the women felt embarrassed at vaginal examination and 37.2% found it a bit painful or felt discomfort. In spite of the discomfort, 73.7% believed vaginal examination was necessary and over 95% indicated readiness to undergo such examination in future if necessary. CONCLUSION: Performing intimate gynaecological examination should be a carefully planned procedure with patient's consent, and performed conscientiously taking patient's feelings and emotions into consideration, to engender confidence.
CONTEXT: Intimate gynaecological examinations are part of the necessary retinue in gynaecological consultation and management. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate women's perception of digital and speculum vaginal examinations in rural Southeast Nigeria. METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive study. Gynaecologic clinic attendees in a Mission hospital in rural Nigeria were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire over a 3-year period. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-six women with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.1 years were interviewed. They presented mainly for infertility (36.8%), menstrual abnormalities (31.1%) and early pregnancy complications (10.7%). Over a quarter of the women felt embarrassed at vaginal examination and 37.2% found it a bit painful or felt discomfort. In spite of the discomfort, 73.7% believed vaginal examination was necessary and over 95% indicated readiness to undergo such examination in future if necessary. CONCLUSION: Performing intimate gynaecological examination should be a carefully planned procedure with patient's consent, and performed conscientiously taking patient's feelings and emotions into consideration, to engender confidence.