ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what makes a genital examination psychotherapeutic and so unique, some of the factors to consider during such an examination, and addresses some of the concerns clinicians may have when carrying out an intimate examination. It describes the foundation work has been carried out in the consultation before getting to the genital examination. The chapter looks at the psychosexual genital examination de nouveau, when the only contact with the patient is for a genital examination. The understanding gained from this provides the foundation from which the psychosexual genital examination can bear fruit. When the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine -trained doctor uses their skills during the genital examination, the examination then becomes a psychotherapeutic genital examination. The psychosexual genital examination can be of great value, provided the timing is right. The crux of the psychosexual genital examination is not only to hold in mind all that professionals have heard, observed; but also to act on the information.
