At Husky Health Center, your comfort, privacy, and safety during exams and procedures matter to us.
Beginning October 1, 2026, Husky Health Center is updating how we provide medical chaperones for sensitive exams and procedures. A trained medical chaperone will be provided as part of your care; you no longer need to ask. You may always request a chaperone or choose to decline.
Some medical exams and procedures involve private areas of the body. These are called sensitive exams.
During these visits:
- A trained medical chaperone will be present during sensitive exams and procedures unless you choose to decline
- You may request a chaperone at any time, for any type of exam or procedure
- Your provider will explain the exam or procedure before it starts
- You may ask questions at any time
- You may ask to pause or stop the exam at any time
Every patient’s comfort level is different, and we respect each person’s interpretation of what feels sensitive or personal.
Sensitive Exam Information
A sensitive exam is a physical examination or medical procedure involving breasts, genitals, groin, pubic area, or rectum, whether clothed or unclothed.
Some sensitive exams may cause mild discomfort or pressure. Certain procedures may cause brief pain or tenderness. If you experience significant discomfort or want to pause or stop at any time, tell your provider or chaperone immediately.
You have the right to:
- Know why an exam or procedure is being recommended
- Ask questions before or during the exam
- Request or decline a medical chaperone
- Request a chaperone of the gender you are most comfortable with
- Ask to pause or stop the exam at any time
- Share concerns or feedback about your experience
A medical chaperone is a healthcare professional or trained clinical staff member who may:
- Observe the exam or procedure
- Assist the provider during the visit
- Support patient comfort, privacy, and communication
The chaperone may only be present during the sensitive portions of the exam or procedure, depending upon patient preference and clinical need.
We will make every effort to provide a medical chaperone of the gender you are most comfortable with. If we cannot accommodate your request, you may choose to reschedule your appointment.
You may choose to decline a medical chaperone. Please let your medical assistant, provider, or another member of your care team know. In some situations, your provider may determine that a chaperone is needed to perform the exam or procedure. If you prefer not to have a chaperone, your provider will talk with you about your options, which may include deferring or rescheduling the exam.
Breast Exam
A breast exam may be performed to evaluate symptoms such as pain, lumps, skin changes, or other concerns. Some patients may also receive screening breast exams based on personal or family health history.
A breast exam may include:
- Visual examination of the breast and surrounding skin
- Gentle manual examination using the provider’s fingers to check for lumps or other abnormalities
Pelvic Exams (Vagina and Reproductive Organs)
Pelvic exams help evaluate symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, infection, vaginal symptoms, or other reproductive health concerns.
A pelvic exam may include:
- Visual examination of external genital areas
- Examination of the vagina and cervix using a medical instrument called a speculum
- A bimanual examination, where the provider places gloved fingers inside the vagina while gently pressing on the lower abdomen to evaluate pelvic organs
Penis, Scrotum, Groin, and Hernia Exams
These exams help evaluate symptoms such as pain, swelling, discharge, sores, lumps, or possible hernias.
The exam may include:
- Visual examination of the genital and groin area
- Gentle examination of the scrotum, groin, or lower abdomen using the provider’s hands
- Examination of the penis, foreskin, skin, or urethral opening
- Collection of laboratory samples when medically needed
During some hernia exams, the provider may place gloved fingers into the scrotal area while the patient is standing.
Rectal Exam
Rectal exams may be performed to evaluate symptoms such as pain, bleeding, hemorrhoids, infection, sores, or other concerns. Rectal exams may also be used to collect testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A rectal exam may include:
- Visual examination of the area
- Internal examination using a gloved, lubricated finger to assess for tenderness or abnormalities
- Examination of the prostate when medically indicated
For additional information, see UW Medicine’s webpage about Medical Chaperones for Sensitive Exams and Procedures.
Questions or Concerns
If you feel uncomfortable during a visit or have a concern about a sensitive exam or procedure, we encourage you to tell us. You can:
- Talk with any member of your care team or another Husky Health Center staff member
- Contact Husky Health Center by email at uwhhc@uw.edu or by phone at 206-597-5242
- Submit a concern in writing or in person at the Husky Health Center Patient Service Center
Concerns may be submitted anonymously.
For additional reporting options and information about how concerns are reviewed, see the Husky Health Center Patient Grievance Policy.
Reporting a concern will not affect your access to care.