Description of the Medical Examination
Knowing what to expect in the examination can help alleviate anxiety over the process. To avoid unnecessary and potentially detrimental repetitive questioning of the child, a detailed history should be provided to the examiner prior to the evaluation.
Each examiner will have an individualized approach, which may include:
- Introductory dialog with the child and caregiver
- Questions about the child's medical history and the alleged abuse
- A brief physical examination
- External inspection of the anogenital area
- Vaginal speculum and digital exam (adolescent girls only)
- Photographs or video recordings of the examination
- Collection of specimens for testing
- Discussion of exam findings with the child and the caregiver
The child, the parent, or both will be asked questions about the child's current health, past medical history, medications, recent behavior changes and about any current complaints or symptoms, information about possible earlier trauma or abuse involving the anogenital area, other problems in this area, and possible sexual activity.
Questions about the alleged abuse may also be asked if a forensic interview of the child has not been done, or if the examiner was not given the history of the alleged abuse. In some cases, the examiner may need to ask the child specific questions about the abuse when the information is needed to determine the need for medical testing and treatment.
An appointment for children who disclose sexual abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area can be arranged by calling the Social Services Department at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 513-636-4711. A social worker will arrange a medical exam to provide the child medical and psychological treatment, as well as to conduct a forensic evaluation. Parents or others who suspect sexual abuse should contact their child's physician or call 513-241-KIDS.
