What you should expect during a physical examination

As part of your medical care, a doctor, physician associate or anaesthesia associate may need to do a physical examination that may involve looking at, feeling, and listening to different areas of your body.

This can feel embarrassing and unpleasant, especially when undertaking intimate examinations of the breasts, genitalia, or rectum. It is the responsibility of the doctor to make sure you feel as safe and in control of the situation as possible.

Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the examination but also understand if something has gone wrong.

Intimate examinations

Before and during an intimate examination you should expect the doctor to:

• explain why the examination is necessary, and give you the opportunity to ask questions 
• explain what the examination will involve, so you have a clear idea of what to expect, including any pain or discomfort 
• make sure you have given your permission for the examination
• give you information in a way you can understand; if you struggle to understand spoken English, you can ask to use an interpreter or translation service 
• offer for you to have an impartial observer (chaperone) present wherever possible, usually another healthcare professional who will stay for the whole examination and be able to see what they are doing
• give you privacy to undress and dress; the examination should be in a private room or have a curtain drawn
• allow you to undress to your comfort and be kept covered as much as possible throughout the examination
• end the examination at any time if you feel uncomfortable.