Laying Down or Sitting Up while in the stirrups?

The table is usually slightly inclined for my exams. I would say a 20 degree angle.

I've had doctors do both. Usually for my annual exam the table is flat & if I go in for issues I'm having and they're just doing a pelivc, its tilted up. Probably because for my annual they have you fully reclined for the breats & abdominal & its just easier to keep it flat.

My doc always keeps the table totally flat, too. I find that's good for me since I tend to look up at the ceiling while she's got her fingers and the speculum inside of me.

My exams have always been done with a slight elevation in the table. The transvaginal ultrasounds I have had are on a flat table. I prefer the flat table...more erotic for me.

I am on an incline and I think there is a medical reason for it. If I am not mistaken, by sitting up slightly it allows the abdominal muscles to relax making the ovaries and uterus easier to palpate during the bimanual exam.

I would prefer to be elevated so i can look at the doctor and see whats happening, but in my experience, most of the time the table is just flat

I have had MINE in both postions,but I much prefer to be totally flat!!

I have always had my upper body and head on a slight incline when in the stirrups.

I prefer to be fully reclined, so that it feels more foreign down below as the exam proceeds.

My wife and I are examined conjointly, so that I am always able to observe her exam. The exam table is raised at the back, allowing her to sit-up, and have face to face contact with the examiner. Our physician does not use a drape, and has a mirror over the table to allow viewing by the patient. I guess it depends on how much involvement the patient wants.

The exam table is always inclined for my exams.

My current doctor has the head of the table slightly elevated. Maybe 20 degrees from flat. My first obgyn had a flat table.

It’s slightly easier to scoot down when it’s elevated. And I feel like you are more likely to make eye contact. Those 20 degrees certainly make it feel more personal.

My doctor has the the head slightly elevated. Easier to scoot down Used to have it flat with another doctor

I have had it both ways flat and inclined. It does seem slightly easier to get your tushy scooted down to edge of table in inclined position of table.

When my wife has her annual physical, when it’s time for the Pap and pelvic, the head end of the exam table is elevated to about between 20 and 30 degrees. She has also had the pelvic done laying flat on the table, and she prefers the table to be elevated. She says it seems to make it easier to relax her abdominal and pelvic muscles, and to see the exam in progress instead of just laying there, staring up at the ceiling.

Mine has a slight angle with pillows to lay your head on. Also the pillows with either have a blue or white elastic band across them so they don't fall. But I am more or less flat on the exam table.

Gp is laying flat at the gyno the table is at a slight angle

My exam takes place on flat cushioned bed/table with a pillow for head support. I have never been on an elevated/angular table so I don't know how it feels.

Also it's good I am laying flat. I can't see the doctor. I don't want to either. Not in embarrassment, I just don't want to see the doctor while she's doing her job.

I look around or at ceiling till she does bimnaual. I close my eyes then. I feel the presure so my eyes tend to close. It has been that way since beginning

At my current gynecologist the table has a slight incline, probably 15 to 20 degree angle. I do find it easier to scoot down and can see the doctor sitting with the drape pushed down some between my legs without having to raise my head.

My PCP has the table flat, as has previous gynecologists I've been to.

I do find it easier to scoot down and can see the doctor sitting with the drape pushed down some between my legs.

Do you like being able to look your doctor in the eye during the exam? What gender is the doctor, and would things be any different if the doctor was of the opposite gender?

We seem to be talking about exam tables... I am wondering what percent of Ob/Gyn Doctors have now converted to the examination "chairs" versus stirrup tables.

How many of the respondents here have ever been in a chair?

I don't think I've ever been sitting up, I've seen that in movies and t.v before. I'm pretty shy so I'm kind of glad I don't have to sit up ? I'm always laying down.

I’m more lying down than sitting up, but the angle of the upper portion of the exam table is slightly raised...so not entirely flat.

I have mostly had and Gyn chair that as an ange,l who is adjusted as i get legs into kneesupport

All my doctors I have seen when doing an exam have me laying down with a slight elevation.

I’m usually laying down flat for breast exam and pelvic exam. I prefer this way, I’d rather not have eye contact with doctor when doing pelvic exam.

For my wife, breast examination standing, then sitting and then lying down. The pelvic examination takes place in bed.

Are the European exam "chairs" becoming more and more prominent in the US these days? If so, the question about "lying down" changes the dynamics a bit.

ArtZ

I have found that when it is for a pelvic with a GP, they have a more standard exam table with stirrups where you end up lying down. When I've been to an OB/GYN I find I'm more likely to see the chair style since it's dedicated to that purpose. I have to say I prefer the chair style from a comfort perspective, it simultaneously feels more secure and more exposing.

Are the European exam "chairs" becoming more and more prominent in the US these days?

In my experience, the newer the office, the more likely they are to have the chair style but, that may not be the case all over- the US is pretty big after all 😜

My Gyn has the table inclined at around 20-30 degrees. Dev tells me that a slight incline helps to relax the abdominal muscles. I guess that is supposed to make the pelvic exam easier on both the patient and the provider.

I once saw a Gastroenterologist, and he had me pull my knees up with my feet flat on the table, closer to my butt, when he examined my abdomen. So maybe there's something to that.

Personally, I like the option of making eye contact with my doc when he's down there poking around.