Methods for managing pelvic examination anxiety: individual differences and relaxation techniques.

Many adolescent girls anticipate pelvic examinations with anxiety. Providing information about the examination procedure is not sufficient to help all girls cope with their anxiety. An assessment of the adolescent's coping style allows the care provider to tailor the educational process to the individual adolescent. Once the care provider has become proficient in relaxation techniques, they can be used along with education. This article reviews coping styles and relaxation techniques that can be integrated into practice.