What documented finding in an internal genitalia examination could indicate an abnormality?

The presence of clear secretions with a foul odor during an internal genitalia examination is a significant finding that may indicate an abnormality, such as an infection. Foul-smelling secretions can be associated with conditions like bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, or other infections of the reproductive tract. These types of findings warrant further investigation and possible treatment, as they may reflect an underlying health issue that could affect overall reproductive health.

In contrast, clear secretions with no odor are generally considered normal, indicating healthy vaginal flora. Painful contractions during the exam might raise concern but could be subjective or related to various factors, including anxiety or discomfort rather than a clear indicator of pathological conditions. A normal size and shape of the cervix is a typical finding in a healthy examination, further supporting that these characteristics do not signal abnormalities in the same way that foul-smelling secretions do.