1. This station requires the development of a good rapport and the trust of your patient. Due to the intimacy of the examination, it is always advisable to have a chaperone with you. In the exam you will be required to discuss the procedure with a mannequin but just pretend it is a normal patient.

2. Firstly explain what you are going to be doing to the patient. Explain that the patient should feel little if any discomfort and that the examination should be over fairly quickly. If they have any questions or concerns answer them now and check that they consent to you performing the procedure.

3. Put some gloves on and inspect the outside of the vagina. Check the labia and clitoris looking for any obvious abnormalities such as erosions.

4. Lubricate the index and middle finger of your right hand. Explain to the patient that you are about to start the procedure.

5. Use the thumb and index finger of your left hand to separate the labia minora and firstly insert your index finger, checking for any excitation. If none present, then insert your middle finger.

6. Palpate all of the vaginal walls as you advance your fingers feeling for any obvious abnormalities.

7. Using your fingertips, palpate the cervix, feel for its size, shape and mobility - check with the patient if it is tender.

8. At this point you can palpate the uterus by pressing it between your right middle and index fingers and your left hand placed on the lower abdomen. Feel for any masses.

9. You should also try to palpate each of the ovaries. This is done by placing your internal fingers in the right fornix and trying to press the ovary between them and your left hand placed in the right iliac fossa. Do the same for the left ovary. Note any tenderness or masses which you may feel.

10. After this, remove your fingers, check your glove for any discharge or blood and then discard the glove.

© Matthew Green and Laura Henderson 2006.