Rectovaginal examination with gloves contaminated with vaginal secretions might increase the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) inoculation of the rectum in women with genital HPV infections. Because of the high prevalence of asymptomatic genital HPV infections, and the association between HPV and colorectal malignancy, examination gloves should be changed between vaginal and rectal examinations. © 2008 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
