Women’s Experiences of Their First Pelvic Exam: An Arts-Informed Narrative Inquiry

Canadian women usually have their first pelvic exam by the age of twenty-one, and then every three years until older adulthood. Reviewed literature demonstrates that women's first pelvic exam experiences are a turning point in their healthcare trajectory. Yet, no research was found that addresses these experiences as told by women in their own words. Using Arts-Informed Narrative Inquiry, three young women were invited to tell and draw stories of their first pelvic exam experiences. From their accounts, two narrative patterns emerged, trust and voice. These were analyzed using the Narrative Inquiry three-dimensional space of experience theoretical framework, from a Critical Feminist perspective. The analysis reveals that women's first pelvic exam experiences inform their understanding of how healthcare providers, in positions of power, value and respect their personhood and dignity. These experiences go on to inform not only women’s future healthcare interactions, but other social encounters.