Chapter 3 - The Exam

The gynecological exam can be a positive, educational experience. There are many techniques a health care provider can use to help women with developmental disabilities through the exam.

A. Tips for the Exam

The needs of individual patients will determine which of these tips are appropriate.

• It is generally advisable to defer blood drawing, giving injections, and other potentially disturbing experiences until after completion of the exam.
• If the patient wishes, let her bring someone with her into the exam room. Sometimes a relative or care giver will want to come into the exam room with the patient. Ask the patient in a private place what she wants and tell the care giver or relative that your protocol requires you to follow the patient's choice.
• Be aware of the potential for sensory overstimulation related to lighting, air currents, the texture and noise of the paper on the exam table, etc. If necessary make adjustments to reduce sensory overload. Some people with disabilities such as autism may readily experience sensory overstimulation.
• Provide pleasant sensory experiences such as music, pictures on the ceiling, a pleasant atmosphere, and a comfortable temperature. Sometimes dim lights are soothing, though it is usually better if the patient can be alert and see what is going on.
• Go slowly. Talk the patient through the exam. Tell her what you are doing and have her control the speed. Let her know she can ask you to stop.
• Use a smaller speculum, a baby-sized speculum, or do a finger exam. Consider doing a "blind" Pap by inserting the swab without a speculum.
• Unless contraindicated by medical concerns, do the bimanual exam first. It may be psychologically less traumatic than inserting an instrument.
• If the patient cannot relax her abdominal wall, ask her to press her hand over her pelvic area and then place your hand over hers, although it may be more difficult to feel the uterus this way.
• Provide blankets as well as standard drapes to provide more security and privacy.
• Allow enough time for the patient to try different positions for comfort.

This provider, using the assistance of complimentary health techniques, helps the patient to retain control over her own body during this frightening procedure.

Back to Contents

B. Tips for the Clinical Breast Exam and Breast Self Exam (BSE)

Adapt the breast exam to the needs of each patient. For example, if the patient has impaired balance or poor upper body control, you can do a visual inspection of her breasts while she is seated. Work with the patient to increase her ability to do BSE. But if her ability to do BSE remains quite limited, it is best to repeat the clinical breast exam more often than is typically advised for the general female population.

• Consider demonstrating parts of the exam on a friend, care giver or health care provider.
• For palpitation, stabilize the patient's arm with pillows or one of your hands, if necessary.
• The clinical breast exam is a wonderful opportunity to educate the patient on BSE.
  • Educational tools, such as breast models with lumps to find, are very helpful.
  • Guide the patient's hands through a self-exam.
• If you have a pamphlet with illustrations of BSE, show it to the patient as you guide her through the steps illustrated in the card.
• Be sure your take-home materials match the techniques you are modeling.
• It may be possible for the patient to have a partner or friend help her do BSE at home. It may be helpful to involve this person in the clinic session.
• Point out and emphasize parts of the exam the patient will be able to do
  • Observing changes in a mirror
  • Noticing how her breasts feel
  • Examining the parts of her breasts that she is able to reach
  • Examining both breasts with one hand
  • Using thumb, palm, or back of hand in examination
  • Doing BSE in several shorter sessions
• Some women will find it easier to start doing BSE in the shower or bathtub, as this is a place they are accustomed to being naked and to touching themselves. The soap can also make it easier to move their hand over the skin.

C. Equipment and Equipment Modifications

High quality accessible equipment is now available. This equipment includes exam tables that can be lowered and offer side, foot, leg and knee support, and mammogram machines that enable women to have a mammogram without standing or leaning. Before purchasing new equipment, though, try to see the pieces in use and talk to both providers and patients who have used them. Equipment such as obstetrical stirrups and high-low exam tables facilitate safer, easier transfers and positioning, but vary in quality and "user friendliness". Some women with developmental disabilities feel safer in a wide padded table. Side bars that can be raised and lowered can help a woman be and/or feel safer. (See Appendix III for detailed information about equipment.)

Preparing the Exam Room

• Make sure there is space for a wheelchair to turn or for a sign language interpreter to be visible to the patient. Move or remove furniture if necessary.
• Take the paper covering off the exam table if it hinders transfers and positioning
• Using padded and/or strapped stirrups can increase the comfort and safety of the patient

Back to Contents.

D. Alternative Positions for the Pelvic Exam

Whenever possible, decisions about positioning should be made by the patient and the practitioner together, depending on each woman's specific needs. Many women cannot comfortably assume the traditional (lithotomy) pelvic exam position. Alternative positions may be easier for women with a wide range of disabilities, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injury. The conditions that may indicate the use of an alternative position include, joint stiffness and inflammation, paralysis, lack of muscle control, pain (hip, back, etc.), muscle weakness, spasticity, lack of balance, or muscular contractions.

In any position it is important that the patient feel safe and well supported and experience the least discomfort possible. If spasticity and lack of muscle control are problems, both she and the practitioner should be confident that she will not fall, be hurt, or hurt someone else.

The Knee-Chest Position

This position does not require the use of stirrups. It is particularly good for a woman who feels most comfortable and balanced lying on her side.

The patient lies on her side with both knees bent, her top leg brought closer to her chest; or her bottom leg can be straightened while the top leg is still bent close to her chest. The speculum can be inserted with the handle pointed either in the direction of the woman's abdomen or back. Because the woman is lying on her side, the practitioner should be sure to angle the speculum towards the small of the patient's back and not straight up towards her head. Once the speculum has been removed, the woman will need to roll onto her back.

The assistant may provide support for the patient while she is on the exam table, help the woman straighten her bottom leg if necessary, or support the patient in rolling onto her back for the bimanual exam. If the patient cannot spread her legs, the assistant may help her elevate one leg.

The Diamond-Shaped Position

This position does not require the use of stirrups. A woman must be able to lie flat on her back in order to use this position.

The woman lies on her back with her knees bent so that both legs are spread flat and her heels meet at the foot of the table. The speculum must be inserted with the handle up. The bimanual exam can be easily performed from the side or foot of the table.

The assistant may help the patient support herself on the table and hold her feet together in alignment with her spine to maintain this position. A woman may be more comfortable using pillows or an assistant to elevate her thighs and/or use a pillow under the small of the back.

Back to Contents

The V-Shaped Position

This position may or may not require stirrups. The patient must be able to lie comfortably on her back to use this position.

The patient lies on her back with her straightened legs spread out wide to either side of the table. Or she can hold one leg out straight and keep one foot in a stirrup. The speculum must be inserted with the handle up and the bimanual exam can be performed from the side or foot of the table.

One or two assistants are needed to support each straightened leg at the knee and ankle. The patient may be more comfortable if her legs are slightly elevated or if a pillow is used under the small of her back or tailbone.

The OB Stirrups Position

Obstetrical stirrups provide much more support than the traditionally used stirrups. This position allows a woman who has difficulty using the foot stirrups to assume the traditional pelvic exam position.

The woman lies on her back near the foot of the table with her legs supported under the knee by obstetrical stirrups. The speculum can be inserted with the handle down. The bimanual exam can be performed from the foot of the table.

The patient may want assistance in putting her legs into the stirrups. The stirrups can be padded to increase comfort and reduce irritation. A strap can be attached to each stirrup to hold a woman's legs securely in place if the woman prefers this increased support.

The M-Shaped Position

This position does not require the use of stirrups. This position allows the patient to lie with her entire body supported by the table.

The woman lies on her back, knees bent and apart, feet resting on the exam table close to her buttocks. The speculum must be inserted with the handle up. The bimanual exam can be performed from the foot of the table.

If the woman feels her legs are not completely stable on the exam table, an assistant may support her feet or knees. If a woman has two leg amputations, an assistant may elevate her legs to simulate this position.

Back to Contents

E. Getting on the Table

One of the major benefits of hi-low exam tables is that transfers are simpler and safer for both patient and staff. The protocols of the clinic or medical office often limit what staff are able to do to assist a patient. The patient is the expert in transferring from the wheelchair or in using assistants to climb onto the exam table. The transfer method must be appropriate to the woman's disability, the room space and the exam table. The woman, assistants and practitioner must all thoroughly understand the transfer method they are using before they proceed.

Pivot Transfer

Standing in front of the woman, the assistant takes the woman's knees between her/his knees, grasps the woman around the back and under the arms, raises her to a vertical position and then pivots the patient from her wheelchair to the table. The exam table must be low enough for the patient to sit on; therefore, a hydraulic high-low table may be needed when using this transfer method

Cradle Transfer

Kneeling beside the woman, the assistant puts one arm under both of the woman's knees and puts the other arm around her back and under her armpits. The assistant stands and carries the woman to the table, or two assistants can grasp each other's arms behind the patient's back and under her knees.

Two-Person Transfers

In all two-person transfers, the assistants must work together to lift the woman over the arms of her wheelchair from a sitting position onto the exam table. A stronger, taller person should always lift the upper half of the patient's body.

Method #1 requires the patient to fold her arms across her chest. The assistant standing behind her kneels down, putting her/his elbows under the patient's armpits and grasps the patient's opposite wrists. The second assistant lifts and supports the woman under her knees.

Method #2 can be used if the patient cannot fold her arms. The assistant standing behind the patient puts her/his hands together if possible so there is less likelihood of losing hold of the patient. The second assistant lifts and supports the woman under her knees.

Transfer Tips and Equipment

• The patient should direct the transfer and positioning process, if at all possible.
• Not all non-ambulatory women need assistance, and some ambulatory women may need assistance. Be aware of individual needs. Don't stereotype.
• Assistants should keep their backs straight, bend their knees and lift with their legs.
• Assistants should not overestimate their ability to lift. Try a test lift or try lifting the woman just over her wheelchair before attempting a complete transfer.
• Assistants who feel that they may drop a patient during a transfer should not panic. Explain to the woman what is happening to reassure her. Assistants will usually have time to lower the patient safely to the floor until they can get additional help.
• Some disabled women use a slide board, which forms a bridge from the wheelchair to the exam table for the patient to slide across. In order for this method to work, the table and chair must be approximately the same height. Most exam tables are, however, quite a bit higher than most wheelchairs. High/low exam tables will facilitate the safest and easiest transfer. A wider table can also make transfers and positioning easier even if it is not adjustable in height.
• The patient or an assistant can help by preparing equipment. Women who use wheelchairs should explain how to apply the brakes, detach the footrests and armrests or turn off the motor in the case of an electric wheelchair. If the patient wears adaptive devices such as leg braces or supportive undergarments, she should explain how to remove them if necessary and where to put them.
• Women who use urinary equipment should direct assistants in the moving or straightening of catheter tubing. The patient may wish to unstrap her leg bag and place it on the table beside her or across her abdomen for proper drainage. Assistants should be reminded not to pull on the tubing or allow kinks to develop.
• Check with the patient to make, sure she is comfortable and balanced after the transfer is completed.
• Watch out for jewelry, clothing, tubing or equipment that might catch or otherwise interfere with the transfer

Back to Contents

F. If Your Patient Is Blind or Visually Impaired

Prior to the exam, the practitioner can offer the patient the opportunity to examine the speculum, swab or other instruments, which will be used during the exam. Few patients will ask to do this, but most, whether or not they have a disability, want to. If three-dimensional genital models are available, they can be used both to acquaint the woman with her anatomy and to demonstrate the steps of the exam process. During the exam, explain what is happening and about to happen.

Practitioners or assistants should remember to identify themselves upon entering the exam room and inform the woman if it is necessary for them to leave.

Ask the patient what kind of orientation and mobility assistance she needs. Clinic or office staff should verbally describe and assist the woman in locating where she should put her clothes; where the various furnishings are positioned; where and how to take a urine sample, if one is needed; how she can approach the exam table; and how to position herself on the table and put her feet in the stirrups. Ask the patient for permission before touching her to guide or maintain contact with her.

A white cane and guide dog are mobility aids used by many visually impaired people. If a woman is accompanied by a guide dog, do not pet or distract the dog. The dog is trained to respond only to its mistress. A woman may prefer to keep her guide dog or white cane nearby in the exam room. Do not move either of these items without the patient's permission.

G. If Your Patient Is Deaf or Hearing Impaired

Prior to the exam, your patient may wish to examine the instruments that will be used during the exam. If three-dimensional genital models are available, they can be used to acquaint the patient with her anatomy as well as review the exam process.

The patient should choose which form of communication she wishes to use during her exam: a sign language interpreter, lip reading or writing. Although a patient may use an interpreter throughout most of the patient visit, she may decide not to use the interpreter during the actual exam. Many patients will feel more comfortable with a female interpreter. If an interpreter is used, the patient and the practitioner should decide where the interpreter should stand. The interpreter may stand by the practitioner at the foot of the table or, for more privacy; she may stand nearer the patient at the head of the table. When working with an interpreter, the practitioner should speak directly to the patient at a regular speed instead of to the interpreter. If the patient wishes to lip read, the practitioner should be careful not to move her face out of her sight without first explaining what she is doing. The practitioner should always look directly at the patient and enunciate her words clearly when lip-reading is preferred.

Ask the patient if she wants to see what is going on. Her head may be elevated so that she can see the practitioner and/or interpreter. The drape that is used to cover the woman's body below her waist can be eliminated or kept between her legs. Some patients may wish to view the exam with a mirror while it is happening.

If an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is needed, this service must be arranged before the day of the exam. See Appendix III for interpreter resources.

H. Other Exam Related Issues

Bowel and Bladder Concerns

Some women with developmental disabilities do not have voluntary bladder or bowel control (e.g., women with severe cerebral palsy). A woman s bladder or bowel routine could affect the pelvic exam.

A woman's bowel movement routine may require the same type of physical stimulation that she will experience during the speculum, bimanual or rectal exam. A bowel move

ment can occur during the pelvic exam. The patient or the patient's care provider should inform the practitioner if this might occur.

If a woman is catheterized, it is not necessary to remove the catheter, as it will not interfere with the pelvic exam in any way. An indwelling catheter need not be removed during the exam unless it is not working and another catheter is available for insertion. The two types of indwelling catheters are the urethral, which is inserted directly into the woman's urethra, and the suprapubic, which is inserted directly into the bladder through a surgically made opening below her navel. Both allow urine drainage through tubing into a leg bag. The leg bag, usually attached to a woman's leg by a strap, should be empty at the start of the exam so it will not need to be drained later.

If a woman uses an intermittent catheterization system, she urinates by manually opening her bladder sphincter at regular intervals during the day. Tactile stimulation in her pelvic area during the exam could cause her bladder sphincter to open, with resulting incontinence. The patient may consider scheduling her pelvic exam appointment around her urinary schedule.

Hypersensitivity

Before the exam, the patient may want to inform the provider of any hypersensitive areas of her body to help prevent possible discomfort or spasms during the exam. Some women may experience variable responses to ordinary tactile stimulation such as spasms or pain. Others experience generalized discomfort and agitation that makes medical care difficult. Often, sensitive areas can be avoided or an extra amount of lubricating jelly can be used to decrease friction or pressure.

Spasticity

Spasms may be a common aspect of a woman's disability. Ranging from slight tremors to quick, violent contractions, spasms may occur during a transfer, while assuming an awkward or uncomfortable position, or from stimulation of the skin with the speculum. If spasm occurs during the pelvic exam, the assistant should gently support the spasming area (usually a leg, arm or abdominal region) to avoid any injury to the patient. Spasms should be allowed to resolve before continuing with the exam.

The intensity and frequency of spasms can be significantly affected by subjective perceptions such as feelings of physical security. A woman who experiences spasms should never be left alone on the exam table where a spasm could pose a serious danger to her. An assistant should stand near the exam table and maintain physical contact with the patient to ensure both safety and a feeling of security.

Back to Contents