Sensitive Exams

You are in charge of yourself

You can say yes or no

You can Ask any QUESTIONS

You will be treated with respect



Chaperones for Sensitive Exams & Procedures

Certain medical exams and procures (such as breast or genital exams) are more sensitive and could result in mild anxiety or discomfort. At the Health Center, we want to be sure you are relaxed and comfortable as possible. We have trained healthcare professional to help ensure these sensitive exams and procedures are done in a safe and considerate way, with your consent and at your pace.

 

You are in Charge

Your clinician will explain what to expect in the exam, and why they are recommending the exam be done. You will always be in charge before and during the exam; you can consent or say no. A trained healthcare assistant will be in the exam room with you and your clinician during a sensitive exam. You can request an assistant of a specific gender if you wish.  You can ask questions if you need clarification on what is going to happen in the exam. You may say no and withdraw consent at any time if you are uncomfortable and stop the exam. 

 

Types of Exams Considered Sensitive

Clinical Breast Exam for periodic screening, or if you have pain, rashes, lumps, or a family history of breast cancer. Gloves can be worn at the patient's request.

Pelvic Exam to diagnose conditions of the abdomen and pelvis such as pain or infection. May include visual inspection of the external and internal anatomy, insertion of a cotton swab or speculum, and the second hand placed on the abdomen to feel the ovaries, cervix, and uterus. *

Pubic/Groin Region Exam to diagnose symptoms such as pain, lumps, rashes, lesions, and to check for hernia. *

Penile Exam to diagnose symptoms such as pain with urination, rashes, sores, and discharge from the penis and to check for infection. Samples may be collected from your skin with your consent. *

Rectal Exam to diagnose symptoms such as pain, blood in the stool, hemorrhoids, infections, and sores or lesions. May include a visual exam of the external area, a digital exam with your consent (a gloved finger briefly inserted into the rectum),testing for infections, and anoscopy, the insertion of a speculum which allows your clinician to get a detailed look at the tissue inside your anal and rectal area. *

*Gloves are always worn

 

Medical History Questions

Your clinician may respectfully and non-judgmentally ask certain personal questions in order to establish your general, sexual and reproductive health care and to identify potential education and recommendations for you to consider so that you can optimize your health.

  • Your general physical and mental health, smoking, alcohol and other drug use, allergies, medications you are taking, and family history.

  • Your menstrual period, such as how old you were when you got it, how long it lasts, how often it comes, how much you bleed, the first day of your last period, if you have cramps or other symptoms with it.

  • Your past and current sexual activities, including number and gender identity of your sexual partners, questions about types of sexual contact (oral, vaginal, anal, penile), use of barriers such as condoms.

  • If you have ever exchanged sex for money or drugs, or had sex with someone who has

 

Your Clinician May Also Ask You

  • If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or if you or your partner have had sexual contact with someone who has.
  • If you or your partner is concerned about becoming pregnant and what protections you are using or interested in using to prevent pregnancy. Or, if you are planning for pregnancy now or in the future.
  • Any history of certain conditions such as breast or ovarian cancer or blood clots.If you have been sexually assaulted.
  • If you have vaginal itchiness, discomfort, sores, bumps, any unusual discharge or unusual odors.
  • If you have had penile discharge, sores, bumps, or other discomfort.If you've had any discharge or pain in your vagina, anus or rectum.

 

If you have any concerns about your visit to the Health Center, please call and ask to speak to an administrator 707-826-3146.  If you have experienced a Title IX violation, you can contact the Title IX office at 707-826-3385 to make a report.