contracting an infection at an OB/GYN Office

[Maria Kay]

I went to get my annual pap smear two days after Christmas with absolutely no problems whatsoever prior to the visit.  The DR. was in a hurry and had an interruption by a nurse stating there was another DR waiting on the line so he did the anal and pelvic exam quickly. I just can't remember what he did in the way of the gloves (new one vs. same one)as he was talking to her and me and there was a fair amount of distraction.  Within 12 to 24 hours, I started itching in the anal region (especially) and on the major and minor labia. There was some tingling around the area also.   I have never had this kind of itching before and more importantly, in both places at the same time. Everythink looks normal - no bumps, redness, etc.  This has been continuing for almost 5 days.  I tried non-itch cream, benadryl, preparation H (because it is an anti-itch) to no avail.  I have had a yeast infection before after the use of an antibiotic, but this is not "internal" itching. I've had a hemmorhoid before, but it goes away after a couple of days. Just to be safe, I did buy some monostat and used the cream on the outside, but nothing has helped. The itching in both places is driving me crazy.  Could I possibly have contracted something from his office and if so, what could it possibly be?

[lucylocket2]

I would suggest goingto see another doc. If he says you have an infection ask him if you can get it like you think. If you did - I would go see a lawer. That is terrible!!!! You pay as much as the next person. You have the right to the same amount of time.

[sweet_g_grl]

If you are concerned, call his office and tell him that ever since you left his office you have had this itching and you are concerned.

if you are uncomfortable with that.. then call another doctor and tell them you want ot be seen, or an urgent care.

good luck

[peekawho]

Unless he went directly from the rectal exam, and then did the vaginal exam, there would be little chance of getting an infection from the visit.  

You might be showing signs of a latex reaction, which can present in that way even if you've never had a reaction before.  There has to be a first time for everything.  

I agree that you should just go back in and say that ever since the last visit, you've been itching horribly.  

There is no way you could "get something" from conamination by another patient.  They do change gloves, no matter how distracted.  Most doctors offices use plastic disposable speculums, too.  The metal ones are sterilized between each patient.  After an exam, the metal ones are dumped into a bucket with disinfectant.  At the end of the day, they are washed and sterilized, so there would be no way to accidently use a dirty one on you.  

Sometimes women just pop up with an infection out of the blue.  Then you're likely to blame the last thing you remember doing that was out of the ordinary.  

[Maria Kay]

Thanks for your comments. The one who commented about a latex allergy - I think that was it. I knew that if I was having an allergic reaction, then a steriod cream may help.   I had some prescription steriod cream left over from a poison oak rash (a couple of years ago) and I applied the cream earlier in the day.  I am so much better!!!!!!!  I definitely think it was either a latex reaction or the powder on the gloves.  Thank you so much for your help!!!

[amythist2779]

I was thinking the same thing as peek about being allergic to latex. Or maybe you are allergic to the goo or lubricant that they use. We all know that they use a ton of that stuff and its nasty. Maybe you didnt get it all cleaned off and it irritated your skin. I think I would call the office and ask them what it could be, and if you have any other doubts go the lawyer route.