WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 2001: Re: sexual abuse & doctors

Re: sexual abuse & doctors

From: Ann (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 30 Jan 2001 23:28:47 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: embarrassed: "sexual abuse & doctors"

I was also sexually abused as a child. I have only told my latest physician, and none of the others could "tell" from a GYN examination. My current GYN was recommended by my therapist, and she is really great. She is very understanding, and has never blamed any pelvic pain on my history. I was diagnosed with endo under her care, and she excellent in getting my diagnosed promptly.

Anyone who automatically assumes that your pelvic pain can only be caused by psychological problems is ignorant. I would suggest that you find another doctor. I work on a rape crisis hotline, and we have a list of GYN doctors that are educated and sympathic in dealing with patients with a sexual assault history. While the possibility exists that your problems could be psychologically based, a doctor would not be giving you proper care if he or she didn't check out the other possibilities.

When I go to the doctor, I always keep in mind that this is for my health. Taking care of yourself is the #1 most important thing. No one likes to see the GYN, but we do it to keep healthy. I have been to a few GYNs, and they have all been professional (male and female). I know that there are irresponsible doctors out there, but they are very rare. Ask your friends who they see and who they feel comfortable with. I would highly recommend any of my doctors with complete confidence.

Ask your therapist about meditation techniques to help you relax before and during your visits. They have been very helpful to me.

I wish you all the best. I hope you get treatment for your pelvic pain as soon as possible.

At Tue, 30 Jan 2001, embarrassed wrote: >
>Okay...here's the question I've always wanted to ask, but am too >embarrassed to ask my physician.
>
>I was sexually abused as a child and made the >mistake of telling my first ob/gyn. Although he did a >lap and found endometriosis..said he couldn't treat >it...he says all of my pain is because of the sexaul >abuse I went through.
>
>My therapist has told me that I might as well tell my >doctor that I have been abused, because they can tell >from a pelvic exam (if she is tense or the exam >causes pain) if a woman has been abused.
>
>It seems if the doctor knows the woman has been >abused (it's been my experience anyway) then they >always want to blame the pain on that. Is there a way >to get a physician to treat the endometriosis and not >use sexual abuse as the reason for pain? Also, the >exams are ALWAYS painful for me and I know that I do >tense up...I think, because I know they are going to be painful and because I don't like being touched at all!! Is
>there a way to make these less painful? I have never >been sexually active...with the exception of the abuse. >This is because of my religious beliefs...not because >of the abuse!
>
>Is it true that doctors always know when they are >causing pain and when a woman has been abuses? I >also read once that doctors will sometimes become >sexually aroused when performing an exam...is this >true?
>
>Thank you for taking the time to answer these >questions and I hope the doctors don't think these >questions are too stupid to answer!

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Previous message: Kristy: "Re: Leep Procedure"
In reply to: embarrassed: "sexual abuse & doctors"

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