Use of the colposcope in examination for sexual abuse.

The colposcope is an instrument widely used in gynaecology for the examination of the cer- vix uteri. In recent years, with the recognition of the importance of child sexual abuse as a major child health problem, increased atten- tion has focused on the examination of the genitalia and anus in children. Diagnosed cases of sexual abuse have increased substantially in recent years in both the UK and other countries. Interest in the process of diagnosis has encouraged the adoption of new methods ofphysical examination including the use ofthe colposcope. Generations of doctors were trained with little emphasis on the normal genital and anal appearances in children. Rapid growth of knowledge in this area has accumu- lated as a result of careful routine clinical prac- tice and several recent research studies some of which have utilised the colposcope.''