Exploring Turkish women's gynecological examination perceptions based on their metaphors: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Qualitative Research
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Gynecological examinations can cause significant discomfort, shame, and anxiety for women, particularly due to the lithotomy position.
• Understanding women's subjective experiences is crucial for improving healthcare interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the metaphors women use to describe their experiences with gynecological examinations.
• To gain insight into the emotional and physical perceptions associated with these procedures.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, phenomenological study involving 90 women.
• Online data collection via a form in May-June 2021, including sociodemographic data and metaphorical perceptions.
• Metaphorical analysis inspired by Kochis and Gillespie, with adherence to the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Main Results:

• The average age of participants was 37.29 years, with 73.0% being high school graduates.
• Three conceptual categories emerged from 24 collected metaphors, illustrating the interaction between the examination process, the examination table, and affective aspects.
• Key metaphors included the examination table as a "fork," the procedure evoking thoughts of "pregnancy," and "ache/pain" as a dominant descriptor for the experience.

Conclusions:

• Metaphors used by women indicate predominantly negative experiences during gynecological examinations.
• These negative perceptions likely stem from physical and emotional discomfort.
• Increased empathy and understanding from healthcare professionals can foster more positive experiences and improve health outcomes.