WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 2008: Re: GENERAL: painful exam

Re: GENERAL: painful exam

From: Robin (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:08:58 -0600 (CST)

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At Sat, 12 Jan 2008, anonymous wrote: >
>Another message posted on the young women's forum addresses my problem.
>A woman posted that she was so nervous about having a gyn exam, that she
>was offered a sedative to help her calm down. Is this something that
>doctor's frequently offer? Because I have the same problem. I get so
>nervous, and I cannot calm down no matter how hard I try. And although
>I'm not so young (31), and I have had a lot of experience with gyn
>exams, it hurts quite badly every time I have one. Is it reasonable to
>ask for some kind of sedative? Nothing too strong, but something to help
>me relax?

I do not know if giving a sedative prior to the exam is something that is normally done, but I have a few thoughts and ideas for you....

Do you see the same GYN provider each time, or do you see someone different each time? Seeing the same provider can make the exam easier. This is not to say it isn't uncomfortable for you, both psychologically and physically, but it can make it somewhat easier. That said, meeting with the GYN prior to the exam and just talking and becoming comfortable with that person can make the exam go much easier. Even if this means making an appt. to just talk. When you have the exam, let the MD know if it is hurts and where it is hurting. Ask them to use a speculum that is small. I do not know if you are a virgin, but if you are, maybe they are using a speculum that is too large and this is causing your pain. While it is difficult to come up with conversation when you are having an exam, try talking with your MD or the nurse about something other than the exam so that you can try and get your mind focused on something other than what is going on at that moment. While that may sound silly, it does work!!! I just had surgery (Hysterectomy). I had to have the first vaginal exam three weeks post op. I was a little worried about it causing discomfort even though my GYN is awesome and is incredibly gentle. So, the nurse and I, along with the MD started talking about things other than the actual exam to keep my mind focused on something else....it did work!!

I do hope this has helped!! Call your GYN and ask his/her nurse if they use medication prior to exams. That said, maybe trying what I wrote above is worth trying first!

Good luck to you!!!

--
Robin

Next message: Robin: "Re: ONCOLOGY: 1.9 cm Enmetrial Stripe. Elevated Liver Enzymes..Please Help!"
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In reply to: anonymous: "GENERAL: painful exam"
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