WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 2001: Re: sexual abuse....(Dr. Hill)

Re: sexual abuse....(Dr. Hill)

From: D. Ashley Hill, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 31 Jan 2001 23:32:32 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: sexual abuse....(Dr. Hill)"

At Wed, 31 Jan 2001, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote: >
>Hi Dr Hill,
>
>>>>...why pelvic pain or pelvic exams are
>sometimes more painful in women abuse survivors...<<<
>
>I don't know about the pain part, but as for the exams, wouldn't one think
>that's due to the fact women will tighten their muscles (involuntarily or
>voluntarily) in response to the memories, reflexes, anxiety, etc, and thus
>make insertion during the exam more difficult and painful?

This is likely true for a number of sexual abuse survivors, but there has to be another reason (or reasons) why abuse survivors have a lower tolerance to pelvic pain in general. As an analogy, why do some women who are covered with endometriosis report no pain, while others with a less endometriosis experience incapacitating pain? Maybe people are "wired" for pain differently. Perhaps abuse survivors have different neurotransmitters, or different "wiring" and thus experience more pain. Hopefully the many people doing research on this subject will come up with an answer. Thanks,

DAH

-- D. Ashley Hill, MD Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, Florida

The above is general medical information, and should not be construed as specific treatment advice. Due to time constraints, I am unable to answer individual emails. Thank you.

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