[The first gynecologic examination. Indications, age and place]

The purpose was to investigate age, place, and indication for 17 year-old women's first pelvic examination. A postal questionnaire was sent to 1500 randomly selected 17 years-old Danish women. The response rate was 76%. The median age at which such examinations first took place was 17 years and 10 months. The majority (86%) of examinations were performed by general practitioners and 72% were performed in relation to prescription of oral contraceptives. This indication has previously been a recommendation of the Danish National Board of Health, but changes have been announced, and indications for pelvic examinations of teenagers should be discussed.