Research suggests that although a high proportion of patients accept the presence of students in gynaecological consultations, issues of consent, privacy and comfort are important. This study considers women's views on the impact of student presence on communication in the consultation. Our research suggests that student presence may distort the flow of communication in the gynaecological consultation. There are implications for both patient satisfaction and clinician training. If students are introduced into the consultation, clinical tutors should take special care to maintain dedicated communication with the patient.