Synopsis: The embarrassment and fear of discomfort from the speculum examination often prevent women from seeking routine cervical cancer screening. One problem might be the use of stirrups to support ...

Pelvic exams are conducted on an examination table, often with the woman’s feet in stirrups. Could the routine pelvic exam — for decades a central element of a woman’s annual visit to her doctor — ...

A randomized trial evaluated the use of stirrups in 197 women undergoing a routine gynecologic exam and cervical smear (BMJ. 2006;333:171; full text available online ...

Editor's note: CNN Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is the author of "The Empowered Patient." The opinions expressed in this article are solely hers. (CNN) -- Ladies: I know you've heard ...

The American College of Physicians said Monday that it strongly recommends against annual pelvic exams for healthy, low-risk women. In fact, the intrusive exams may do more harm than good for women ...