5. Conclusion

This study comprehensively examined the relationships between women’s genital self‐image, psychological symptoms, and gynecological examination anxiety. The findings showed that higher education level and employment status were associated with a more positive genital self‐image. Additionally, lower education level, unemployment, and the presence of chronic diseases were associated with higher depression and anxiety symptoms.

The study results showed that participants who did not have regular gynecological checkups, had experience with gynecological surgery, and preferred female doctors had higher scores for depression, anxiety, and stress, indicating a relationship between gynecological health behaviors and psychological well‐being. A low‐level but significant negative correlation was found between genital self‐image and gynecological examination anxiety. Similarly, significant negative correlations were observed between genital self‐image and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Strong positive correlations were found among the subdimensions of psychological symptoms. In the multiple linear regression analysis, genital self‐image and previous negative gynecological examination experiences were identified as factors associated with gynecological examination anxiety, although the explained variance was limited.

In conclusion, a more negative genital self‐image and previous negative examination experiences appear to play an important role in increased gynecological examination anxiety. The findings suggest that considering women’s body image and previous experiences in gynecological care may contribute to reducing examination anxiety and encouraging regular gynecological checkups. Accordingly, it is recommended that psychosocial assessments be integrated into clinical practice and that woman‐centered, trauma‐informed approaches be adopted.