The vaginal examination is too often part of the routine in periodic gynecological consultations. However, its performance as a screening examination for gynecological diseases such as cancers and infections is poor when performed in the asymptomatic patient. It is appropriate for cervical cancer screening every 3 years from the age of 21. Moreover, the intrusive nature of the vaginal examination, which is sometimes experienced as traumatic by patients, encourages the targeting of indications for its practice. Fear of this examination may also result in avoidance of care. The gynecological consultation is a privileged setting for screening for sexual risk taking or domestic violence, but also for exploring overall sexual health and promoting women's health.