--- title: A Feminist Script for Painful Cervical Exams During Labor date: 2024-09-12T14:41:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-feminist-script-for-painful-cervical-exams-during-labor" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# A Feminist Script for Painful Cervical Exams During Labor This blog post aims primarily at medical providers, care seekers, and reproductive health workers. Midwife Stephanie Tillman, a doctoral student in Health Care Ethics, addresses how to navigate painful cervical exams during pregnancy. She describes what an exam might be like if we used a feminist approach to care. First, a provider should acknowledge that in most cases, a cervical exam is not necessary. Additionally, a few factors may make an exam painful, such as a history of sexual assault or a condition like vulvodynia. She begins the script by checking in with the birthing parent and their family. From there, she asks about their past experiences with cervical exams. What makes them painful? What can typically make them more comfortable? Next, she explains why a cervical exam may be helpful and what the consequences of not having one might be. The birthing parent is then able to give consent for the exam, if they choose to do so. Prior to the exam, it is important to talk the birthing parent through what will happen and give them the option to say "stop" or "out." Regularly checking in with the patient and listening to their bodies can help the birthing parent relax and reduce their level of pain. > A final note about my feminist approach to care: I never enter a room and say "It's time to check your cervix!" My approach is always to see how someone is doing, discuss how they are experiencing the labor, how their partner(s) and family are experiencing the labor, how I understand the labor to be going from a midwifery standpoint, and discuss where we might go together next in the plan of care, outlining all options. Sometimes that involves a cervical exam. [Read the full article ](https://www.feministmidwife.com/fmblog/2016/04/04/feminist-midwife-scripts-painful-cervical-exams-during-labor) SOURCE: Feminist Midwife • AUTHOR: Stephanie Tillman, Feminist Midwife • LAST UPDATED: April 4, 2016 ![A doctor sits in front of a pregnant woman patient with her legs open and in stirrups. The patient is wearing a pink hospital gown.](data:image/png;base64,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) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ pregnant bodies](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/pregnant-bodies) - [cervix](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cervix) - [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth) - [feminism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/feminism) - [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain) - [survivor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/survivor) - [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Being Invalidated by Doctors SD discusses her struggle with doctors who refused to recognize her menstrual pain while using an IUD. ![SD](data:image/png;base64,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) SD discusses her struggle with doctors who refused to recognize her menstrual pain while using an IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-being-invalidated-by-doctors) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them). ![Opening Up Zine](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEKklEQVRIiWWWa5LkNgyDP0DqzfFyhty/coG2ROQHZXt208XyaNpqQnwAlP79+5+IDPJRfdi/tH9p/9UL9kc1qUkMBiHJscuuMfbwmmPNcX18ffyd/n58TV1Da2hZpQkIgIT3k/NUAuh+qP/kj23i55dw/wTA591tCkoUVGlfqnba/4pIbSUilfp7hbOuqCBRhcpU9cF6x22JIlVcJKKwCEjAC9BGSQUl6nhXHe8qpkoIhDYa/U7aeCeDFN5EFFJA0gOwfZu0pc1tYUc77FJpap8i2LBJuz4LYhBBGiRCHICySt7Wlpe1pCVttNCKV7SKZVWmtk6VFRnvNAw7rPZIhUQxICFhlb2Htr2sZS174Qtf0YpW6ZJ22JpeQiQJwsHgxMFEOVkPlXSpwIpVw9ve7V2+pEu6UGN868RUTC2hbrLY4NwAeRJSZRXp00eKFXvbe3gNX1YDfNE3uvAXrWhBMX0JJUWghHUw7k4OsYp0PRCYvCnSsi77si/5iw9GdEULFVMXpweJ9Zy9UNQRVKoSk05RdAN06u3l+/jSFX+jb3zBiirTSxGqBMWU8RtBDrMOgMIL8Fb4yc8Vtfdv6YpW2Jm6kLoFg7FTjhyrbg2pDEeJCCKmpLKWte1LWtYXXeibuwylb90ASyfdAsPoTk05VlpLUpR7i4go0xRb1qlwH/+H96u0il2TDZIUBhTssNHOCaViUomLSOlOKNHsXdLboNGFVnSFFe2tXVRNFRgCBQlH15paUQXl6FUL5wOwpCWWtDjWOtHiReEtMs8vH9Wm2z9pnhGabd20RQoKbbE7jo4p53wgFS5mkSI1e4zgIxWHwEY+QnQLie4+7cUzD3SwTwmDgiNCAjUZ4DBgkkEGjCYTPKYfIYYI6WBHkfXTdYKStASTySeIzDDhPMmkFy08rUjkPW6C2mlEEnKaIc9463GYmQ8oDDKTSY53ZSqTDN1DTwmpztMzAqEp5JBQJ8J7DxIznyBo7582necgQ7Gie2gW2XnkHR3mZeR8iHTao7fNfNL8yswNcDBqkKGyIp0e7p72SXeTP/skJ3eD313TAL86Rb9FUB3EoIbiHua6AYKDi2VcbGXrOf6RZN+TSZqZOQCf5JP0Lei5Do0ejs0/UmGEFRy5tOTf85NbD2kM1DVIRrp5qiOYqY8yVW+KWifIbsYcVc9QNdGoJqlFJE7vnQjI4G4h1Uy3UE3VcL1FflMU9+BXbVxJmlc5ovumyDMjEYxkpomWcfJTU/mzBqHVSQUqla3UU4MeFm+KAjPjjmB0VQ/GQTopumtg2Py8B2YT/T+CPn7zoG8+TloeGsDEivXw4EhZ/bi3HtDm8n01PROvUxSkGd9t6zN4IzXYa2dmc/z8puqP3nUEyLdYWTly3bD34pDwVKnvoue+3G/VSiCekval5HGlEwSS/gPnKRHM76Gx6gAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/stories-of-chronic-vulvovaginal-and-pelvic-pain) [ResourcesRead ## Self-Exam: The Cervix Close-Up Want to view your cervix? Here’s what you’ll need: a flashlight, a speculum, and a hand mirror. ![cervical-self-exam](data:image/png;base64,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) Want to view your cervix? Here’s what you’ll need: a flashlight, a speculum, and a hand mirror.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/self-exam-the-cervix-close-up) [ResourcesRead ## Decoding Vaginismus This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, and more. ![A medical model of a vagina with vaginismus and one without](data:image/png;base64,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) This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decoding-vaginismus) [ResourcesRead ## Pregnancy: Patient Resources The website of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has patient resources, frequently asked questions in pregnancy, and much more. ![Pregnancy Patient Resources scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) The website of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has patient resources, frequently asked questions in pregnancy, and much more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pregnancy-patient-resources) [ResourcesRead ## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk. ![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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) A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section. ![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEyUlEQVRIiWVWW5LjOAwDKKXvf9St2qqOJZLAfshO98zm4diJQ4AgKJH/9L8wbFu2rJZKXd3VnV3VlVXVfQ5drW5LliDDIEAgGCQjfj5JgiQD/3v4+fCvCz9fPJf+6+bn6PvkuTcAgPf7+c13AD8P2Rb0pGl/fsJ9r/3wwC8qNuYT2gB9Mz1/l05sHe0ktSWdS8s8cck76n1umKBhgIQnSPig+Hk+rCV1/7zU3W31XQD6pG4RAdiE7RP9owbnr2seDWX4UO1udXd3V1d1l1QtyTJt2AGSiICDR6tHsQ/CBAieBJ/yWdJh313dnR8ndVdbhnT8YzqCn+IGIDpuAPu3RCBwWPknendXVVZldmZ1tUqWj4uCMOkABgABASIkkTQJwibmYXL0sY9TnvBVVVm5c++q7MpWH32O9zmCHoQDE6DAAEGBMIMQwPmo/3hPbrlbT/Ss3JWrcleVVIIMMIhBesQQMQHSCFDmATlwhCfMj6H1U9wjzk0/18rcXSmVIQcYQUV42j69SgAgAzRA8pQWmD6KPta86XdVVVXm3rnXXlflegCMAEfEnLbiNgeIU5KzQAC4oaYe8rqb6RM+c2fulevKdeW+ulIuwBiMMcId1nh6M0wPUmf1MeizTEzr7666l7ZHn73Wvq7c764tF2hGxGsOv4ZtYIAGbfIUQAbHZz2akmyrpT7618eaR/29rn29c787l10Ic4yhabfhcXvkFwCPJQeOi6S2/OP6ut2ZeRcgr2tf71zfXcsu0PEa0kuWby04DoDAuNvBPOsPZ1fbH4D+ced+9DkZXN9dl10IRI+hr4mbtEEjwuQ4GRyJBISB2VU3QOWRpjIrM3fWXrmeDK7vzktOBkbPmz5phhEHIATGSUlAAAFwVqVtVVdW5x29dlbuXKcGK69rv9+d33ZicGhO24AZ4DBCjiFyggFS4ADGLVHlAaj6FT1Pf50Wu659Xfl+V37byYHWlw79GIhhhEE9GZATFNAfgG25u07c2rvO8Xnl2gej9ttenByuQ98xzCHERIQYwxFCNDHAJ4PcC3ZXV2btVXvlXr+j11q1dl5XrQOAdot0DI/pmGbYMYQYZojR5DwFADhrrVPkOlXdf9DvvWtnrV3XrrWkN14YkBmOl8cLnEbY0cYYZiiiweYHIPdlW921M/eqQz+PUE/BV9bKvLZ0oS1YMT2/PF6OKYYQQ9B0nAxQ5OOiXA9AVt0Aq/bunZ3Zuzqrd/eqvqqV6Bap8ToAiDsDCWrHULDvjgB5MsCRKCvXrr0qd+c+u1hXKbuze6tXlxpdjNTcnttj3TVAyNbQGB2cB4B3H+zrDHSVdfaW3qtz6xO9WqVO90a33c2Rmum5PV8Y0xwGbXvYQxFNjkCQp8h7PRJ17925uw731JkTSyq7oKQyJGIqXuVXYibGBgdIG562FKyIYYw/AaS+N/d9K1NnHJLabqipit4hE9P6amchE3MiBhj3vCaNmOYwgwiCs2uf5bqrVdlV6lSXut3tlmULbqjoDDn8ElOoYiVrcoyIIO/BhCFw4ACQU13PftDq8ie0+hkez55KKFQhhMtso8TuqOpZ0SMiROrsBTQYcSSS+hmG+kxcJy6eUeCeZU0LEN3n5J4PJD27VUshRoAmTJsB8D+upBzwzLlDOgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Deciding Where to Give Birth MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital. ![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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) MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)