Women undergoing gynecological surgery need to explicitly consent to pelvic exams by medical students, Canada's OBGYNs say.

Previously, guidelines from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada stated patients should be informed when medical students are involved in performing a pelvic exam under anesthesia.

The revised guidelines, published Wednesday and in the September edition of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, goes further to ensure patient consent is explicit, the society said.

Many women who have pelvic surgery may not be aware of the role medical students play or the importance of performing a pelvic exam at the time of surgery the group said.

Free from discomfort

"Pelvic examinations are an integral component of any gynecologic consultation, and pelvic examinations under anesthesia are a fundamental part of most gynecologic surgery," the statement said.

"Under anesthesia, pelvic and abdominal muscles are relaxed, and the patient is free from discomfort, thus allowing the surgeon to fully appreciate the pelvic anatomy and clinical findings in a way that may not be possible when the patient is awake."

According to the new rules, medical students must introduce themselves to all patients they'll be caring for and identify their role as medical students.

Patients undergoing gynecologic surgery are required to be explained the role of a pelvic exams during the procedure and know it may be performed by members of the surgical team, including medical students.

Consent must always be given voluntarily, non-discriminatory, and must not be coerced, the society said.