Re: pelvic exam
From: Ann (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 16 Dec 1998 10:35:50 -0600 (CST)
The nurse will always be present for something like that. It's to give
you peace of mind that nothing inappropiate will happen, and to protect
the doctor from someone claiming that something inappropiate happened
(when it didn't).
My first few pelvic exams were very uncomfortable. I don't enjoy them
now, but they don't hurt much at all. I think that it could have
something to do with the level of nervousness.
Ann
At Wed, 16 Dec 1998, Emma wrote:
>
>Hi, I have a couple of questions for anyone who can answer them.
>
>I had to have a pelvic exam a couple of days ago because my gyn needed
>to do some swabs. I spent the whole examination trying to figure out
>whether the speculum actually hurt, or if it was just really
>uncomfortable. When it was open it felt as though it was taking up room
>that wasn't there (!!!!)if that makes any sense. My question is, do
>other women experience this sensation, or am I simply oversensitive?
>
>My other question is: Does a nurse always have to be present during an
>examination? Not only was a nurse present in the room, but she actually
>stood down my doctor's end of the table and watched what he was doing. I
>was a bit shocked as I did not know that a nurse would be present.
>My only other examination (including my first pap smear) was in surgery,
>so I knew there would be nurses there.
>Could it have been because I am a minor that the nurse was there? Is it
>usual or necessary for the nurse to have to look at what the doctor is
>doing?
>
>I am just a bit confused and would appreciate answers from anyone who
>has had more experience with pelvic exams than me!!!!
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