Utilization of the Mirror During Pelvic Exams

Utilization of the Mirror During Pelvic Exams: Does it Reduce Patient Vulnerability and Discomfort?

This is a prospective cohort study to determine if using a birthing mirror during the patient's pelvic examination decreases patients's degree of vulnerability and discomfort.

In Obstetrics and Gynecology and its gynecologic subspecialties, the pelvic examination is routine practice for screening and diagnostic purposes. Nevertheless, due to their intimate nature, pelvic examinations may result in loss of control, embarrassment, discomfort and anxiety.

The mirror pelvic exam has been a proposed technique to decrease patient anxiety and improve comfort during an already uncomfortable examination. However, little research has focused on this modality to date.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the mirror pelvic exam decreases the level of vulnerability and discomfort experienced during the pelvic examination.

Inclusion Criteria:

• New patients undergoing a pelvic exam performed by a physician at Cincinnati Urogynecology Associates, TriHealth

Exclusion Criteria:

• Existing patients
• Unwillingness to participate in the study
• Physical or mental impairment that would affect the subject's ability to visualize the mirror during examination or to complete questionnaires
• Inability to understand English