A randomized trial evaluated the use of stirrups in 197 women undergoing a routine gynecologic exam and cervical smear (BMJ. 2006;333:171; full text available online ...

Pelvic exams are conducted on an examination table, often with the woman’s feet in stirrups. Could the routine pelvic exam — for decades a central element of a woman’s annual visit to her doctor — ...

It’s an annual ritual for millions of American women: Visiting the doctor and lying back for a routine pelvic exam, feet in stirrups. Now the nation’s largest largest medical specialty organization ...

Editor's note: CNN Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is the author of "The Empowered Patient." The opinions expressed in this article are solely hers. (CNN) -- Ladies: I know you've heard ...

The American College of Physicians said Monday that it strongly recommends against annual pelvic exams for healthy, low-risk women. In fact, the intrusive exams may do more harm than good for women ...