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1985448 tn?1339821862

Terrified of male doctors

Okay so I recently moved and needed a new ob/gyn and the area I live in the only office that take my insurance is a male doctor. The reason I am terrified of males is because I was raped as a little girl and since then being near guys that have to "touch me" or examine me in any way freaks me out. I am 16w2d and I haven't had a check up since 12w3d and I am due for another check up and blood tests (since I have hypothyroidism I need alot of tests) Is there a way I can deal with my fear in time for my appt next Wednesday? I am tempted to just wait another 3weeks so I can find a female doctor. Idk what to do. The thought of a male(that isnt my bf) touching me makes me scared.
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1985448 tn?1339821862
@Ashelen: Thanks for the advice, I didn't know you could refuse an internal exam or have the nurse do it, its good to know that. I'm sure it'll just be blood work and an ultrasound but still nerve wrecking. Thank you again for the advice.
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1927715 tn?1392055940
Idk.about switching doctors but at my 13 week appt. All he did was.measure my belly and.use the Doppler.
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1035252 tn?1427227833
Ok then here's what I would do...go ahead and get in with the female doctor, and in the meantime get your bloodwork and check-ups with this male OBGYN and your BF along with you. BUT...refuse any internal examinations. By law in most states, a male doctor or nurse has to have a female present when he performs an exam on a female patient anyway, but you have the legal right to refuse any cervical/vaginal exam. If he asks you why, be honest. say you're a victim of rape and you are not comfortable with a vaginal exam from a male doctor. Worst case scenario, if he thinks an exam is necessary, he should be able to let a female nurse do it. If not, simply refuse. you have the legal right!
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Avatar universal
I would see if your bf or someone you know can go with you. Or maybe ask the nurse to stay in the room as well. I'm so sorry that happened to you and you are so strong!
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1985448 tn?1339821862
@Ashelen: I found another doctor and it's a female one the only problem is she wont see me till the end of Feb. and by then I would need more blood tests I have to get them done every month to monitor my thyroid levels and be prescribed new meds every month since I only get 30days worth of pills and I am already out, that's why I tried to settle for a male doctor in order to be seen quicker to make sure the baby is okay and my levels are stable. I am too scared to chance waiting another month yet I am just as terrified of him touching me =/ Of course people would say it's a no brainer to go w/whats best for baby but I am trying but it's so hard too.
And I am bringing my bf there with me and I know that'll make me a bit more relaxed.

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Avatar universal
take your bf with you it would put your mind and body at ease good luck
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1035252 tn?1427227833
How about a midwife, or a family practice doctor? I mean yes I'm sure there are ways to overcome your fear but if it's that traumatizing, I would try to find another solution. What happens if you have a weak moment in labor and all of a sudden you start to have flashbacks? I would see if you can find another solution, or contact your insurance directly and see if you can work out a different option.

Sorry you're dealing with this hon...must be awfully difficult :-(. I was raped as a child too, repeatedly for several years, but I blessedly do not have any fear relating to men after years of counseling and healing...but if I did, you can bet I would have NO hesitation in finding another doctor who I DID feel comfortable with - labor is too intense and emotional not to be with a doctor who you trust completely.
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