More comfortable pelvic exams possible

BOSTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Women allowed to keep their feet on the examining table felt significantly more comfortable during a pelvic exam, says a U.S. newsletter.

The Harvard Women's Health Watch reports that according to a randomized trial of stirrups versus no stirrups for routine gynecological exams, researchers found that women who were allowed to keep their feet on the examining table felt significantly more comfortable than those whose feet were placed in stirrups.

The study also demonstrated that it's possible to perform pelvic exams and obtain Pap smears -- important screening tests for cervical cancer -- without using stirrups.

For some women, feelings of exposure, discomfort or even pain during exams are potential barriers to getting gynecological care, so having the no-stirrups option might encourage more women see their doctors regularly for Pap smears, the newsletter says.

Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson, editor in chief of the Harvard Women's Health Watch, suggests that if a woman is interested in having a pelvic exam with her feet on the table instead of in stirrups, discuss it with the clinician.

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