The Relationship Between Gynecological Examination Anxiety, Genital Self-Image, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress...

Gynecological examination anxiety can be influenced by women's mental state and genital self-image. This study aimed to examine the relationship between gynecological examination anxiety, genital self-image, and depression, anxiety, and stress in women.

This descriptive and correlational study included 281 women reached through social media. Data were collected using a personal information form, the female genital self-image scale (FGSIS), the gynecological examination anxiety scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21.

The mean age of the women was 42.18 ± 11.57. It was found that 63% of the women were university graduates, 29.5% had chronic diseases, 13.5% had gynecological diseases, 59.1% did not have regular gynecological examinations, and 46.3% had undergone a gynecological examination in the last year. The prevalence rates for severe and very severe depression, anxiety, and stress were 7.5%, 15.7%, and 6.4%, respectively. This study found a low-level negative correlation between genital self-image and gynecological examination anxiety (r = -0.141, p  < 0.05). According to the multiple linear regression analysis, previous negative experiences during gynecological examinations were associated with higher anxiety (β = 0.129, p = 0.033), whereas higher female genital self-image was associated with lower anxiety (β = -0.140, p = 0.027).

Previous negative experiences with gynecological examinations can increase gynecological examination anxiety, while a more positive genital self-image can play a protective role in reducing anxiety.