Pelvic Exams Without Consent

Over 3.5 million women were given pelvic exams without their consent, reports NBC News. Doctors are raising concerns because the women are under anesthesia and unaware that residents and medical students are performing the pelvic exams. The women doctors insist that the patients need to give explicit consent to the pelvic exams. Only half the states require explicit consent, while other states allow the pelvic exams under anesthesia. ACOG, the American College of OB-Gyns does not recommend the practice without a patient’s specific consent.

If you are undergoing pelvic mesh or sling surgery, we recommend you discuss whether you give consent to medical students and residents to conduct pelvic exams on you before surgery. Contact us if you believe pelvic exams were performed without your consent and resulted in injury.