WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 2008: Re: GENERAL: How to make Pelvic exam/pap smear less painful

Re: GENERAL: How to make Pelvic exam/pap smear less painful

From: Ann (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 6 May 2008 14:40:40 -0500 (CDT)

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At Mon, 5 May 2008, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote: >
>I am sorry this was such an uncomfortable experience for you. It
>doesn't need to be, and shouldn't have been. With a gentle and caring
>provider it shouldn't be a problem. Because you aren't sexually active,
>things are a bit trickier.
>What you need to do is find a clinic that will not require the exam and
>get your pills. It seems rather odd to require an exam if you aren't
>sexually active.
>Search around for someone who can assist you. And, then, get an RX for
>a year instead of just three months. I also have found many nurse
>practitioners, who do pelvic exams all the time (a woman's health
>NP)usually do a more comfortable exam, and that is their intention. I
>did many first pelvics on women who weren't sexually active, and they
>were very comfortable for them. So, it is possible.
>

>--
>Pat Sonnenstuhl, CNM, CPPI, CHt
>Peace on Earth Begins with Birth
>Birth Counseling and Fertility Therapy
>http://home.comcast.net/~prebirthhealth/birthcounseling.htm
>Hypnosis for Healing
>http://home.comcast.net/~prebirthhealth/hypnosisforhealing.htm
>Peaceful Birthing
>http://www.peacefulbirthing.org
>

I had a horrible experience with my first pelvic exam also and didn't get another for 17 years. Don't be like me, not a smart move. I am learning to deal with this now. What helped me finally go to the doctor was finding one I really trusted and could be honest with. I have never heard of anyone having a good experience at a college health clinic. If you can, wait until you go home and go to planned parenthood, a gynecologist or your family practitioner. Set up a pre-appointment to address your experience and fears with the doctor and if they won't do this or aren't sympathetic, find someone else to go to. It's well worth paying for the extra doctor appointment than having this affect you for the rest of your life. During the exam, take deep breaths from your stomach and tell the doctor if something hurts, is uncomfortable or you need them to stop or slow down. The good news is you can have a comfortable exam if you communicate with your doctor and they listen to you. I didn't feel a thing during my second exam. Good luck and take care of yourself.

Next message: grateful mom: "Re: GENERAL: How to make Pelvic exam/pap smear less painful"
Previous message: Annabell: "GYNECOLOGIC: Bacterial Vaginosis"
In reply to: Pat Sonnenstuhl: "Re: GENERAL: How to make Pelvic exam/pap smear less painful"
Next in thread: grateful mom: "Re: GENERAL: How to make Pelvic exam/pap smear less painful"

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