Experience of Pelvic Examination and Uptake of Gynecological Care Following Domestic or Sexual Violence: a Systematic Review

Pelvic examination, a routine practice for gynecological care, can cause anxiety and be considered traumatic. This study aimed to define the association between domestic or sexual violence and the experience of pelvic examination, as well as the uptake of gynecological care following domestic or sexual violence. Pubmed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched, up to April 30, 2023. Cohort, cross-sectional, case-control studies and controlled trials assessing perception of pelvic examination or the use of gynecological care for women with a history of violence were selected and analyzed. Each study underwent a descriptive analysis and was assessed for bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the RoB2 tool. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies, including 7,329 women, investigated the experience of pelvic examination following lifetime or childhood sexual violence. Most reported an association between violence and adverse experiences of pelvic examination, such as discomfort, anxiety, distress, and pain perceptions. Ten studies, including 9,248 women, investigated the uptake of gynecological care following domestic or sexual violence and reported mixed results, such as a decreased or an increased uptake, particularly for acute symptoms. Two studies, including 1,304 women, examined both outcomes. The present study highlights the association between violence and adverse experiences of pelvic examination, as well as mixed results on the uptake of gynecological care. It argues for the necessity to screen for violence in consultations, particularly when considering a pelvic examination, to guarantee the utility of pelvic examinations, and to consider the traumatic impact of sexual violence in care.