[The mirror as a possibility of participation in routine gynecologic examination: effects on the psychological status of the female]. / Der Spiegel als Partizipationsmöglichkeit bei der gynäkologischen Routineuntersuchung: Auswirkungen auf das psychische Befinden der Frau.

The effect of active participation by means of a hand-mirror during gynecological examination was investigated in that three groups were formed: one that wanted and got the mirror, one that wanted the mirror but was not given it and thirdly refusers. The mirror leads to significantly greater satisfaction, which however does not override preexisting attitudes concerning one's body and sexuality as well as the image of the doctor. In that respect acceptance or refusal of the mirror reflects in some ways the open-mindedness or conservatism of the patients.