ThThis should be a separate room, noise-free, with a separate area for the patient to change clothes. Privacy is further improved by placing the examination table with the head end facing the door. Alternatively, a curtain may be added between the door and examination table.
All instruments and materials should be laid out in advance on an instrument table/trolley.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential when carrying out a gynaecological examination. Possible solutions are to place a mobile lamp adjacent to the examination table, or fix a lamp to the wall.
Examination Table
A suitable gynaecological examination table is a shortened table with supports (knee/leg supports or foot stirrups) [Figure 1]. This allows the patient to lie in a dorsal lithotomy position (with legs parted).
Knee/Leg Supports
Knee or leg supports contribute to greater muscle relaxation. Even patients struggling to achieve their desired degree of muscle relaxation can be adequately examined using these supports. However, these supports have some disadvantages. The height must be adjusted for each patient based on the length of their legs. The patient has no control over the extent to which their legs are spread, which may lead to discomfort.
Figure 1
Foot Stirrups
Food stirrups do not have to be adjusted [Figure 2]. Therefore, the patient controls the extent to which their legs are parted. The disadvantage is that it may be harder to carry out the examination, if the patient is unable to keep their legs apart.
Figure 2
Normally, examination tables have a paper roll installed, so that paper can easily be changed after each examination.
Occasionally, it’s necessary to conduct gynaecological examinations under less ideal circumstances. If necessary, you can also perform the examination on a normal examination table or on the bed/sofa.