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Re: sexual abuse & doctors...From: anonymous@obgyn.netWed, 31 Jan 2001 22:50:52 EST
Hi there, I'm not doctor Hill, but I might be able to offer some imput for you. :-)
>>>I'm wondering what causes these exams to be so much more emotional for Because it triggers memories and reflexes that are otherwise buried within the person. Whether its a medical exam or interaction with a partner, any situations that involve the sexual organs of the body may bring back voluntarily or involuntarily supressed memories of the abuse. Some women also have difficulty with trust, and fear the doctor may not stop if she asks, will do something painful to her purposely, or think something is "wrong" with her because of the abuse. None of these things are true, but they can be very real fears to abuse survivors. It helps a lot to tell the doctor of any fears you may have, and you can even do a "test run" asking the doctor to stop before you feel anxious, just to assure yourself that you're in control throughout the exam. Survivors being able to have control over their bodies as adults, since they lacked it as children in their situations, is very important. Most ob/gyns are sensitive to this and are as gentle and patient with their patients as possible.
>>>Will they ever become easier to tolerate?<<< For many people, yes. However, some people have problems with exams throughout their lives, as with sexual relations...so therapy is a good preventitive measure and helpful assistant throughout the healing process. They can teach you how to stop some of the reflexes and memories that make exams more physically and emotionally painful. As a young teenager , my exams were very difficult to say the least, so my doctor finally decided to do exams only under sedation or anesthesia at least until I was an adult and needed annual paps. Last year was the first time I was able to tolerate the full exam after just taking a mild oral sedative. I haven't had it this year so not sure how it will go....keeping my fingers crossed. It's hard because no matter how I try to convince myself that I'll get through it okay, the actual exam is very different. But my doctor and her staff are supportive as they can be, so it does help. So I guess the answer is, it varies person to person. Therapy helps and I wish I had been able to get into it, with my physical health problems and all their related appointments, it always took a back seat (kind of like dental work). So....if you do have difficulty, ask your GYN for a recommendation to someone who deals with women's health or trauma-related issues. Take care & good luck Kas
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