Fear of Gynecological Exam

[lizbethc]

Over 20 years ago, when I was a teenager, my mother forced me to have an abortion.  It was my first visit to the gynecologist.  I haven't been to the gyn in over 10 years because just being there produces severe panic attacks, and sometimes self-injurious behavior.  Has anyone ever had this happen to them?  I know that nobody LIKES going, but now I am having abnormal bleeding between periods and pelvic pain and I just can't bring myself to go.  Tried therapy...didn't work.   So what now?

[specialmom]

There is nothing to fear from a traditional pelvic exam.  doctors are fast and it is over in a flash.  Do not fear, it will be okay. :>)

[milkshake2360]

no youre not alone. many women are terrified of a pelvic exam. But have you heard of the delphi screener for pelvic exams. its small as a ball point pen. google it

[DLD89]

I am so glad I stumbled onto this website.  I was trying to reseach sedation gyn.  I'm 49 and in menapause and having some symptom I'd like to get checked out...dreaded hot flashes, breast pain, etc.  I haven't been to the gyn in 15 years because of my fear and anxiety!  It's real and I can't stop it.  I did make an appointment recently to go because I thought I'd try to talk myself into going through with the appt.  I cancelled it the next day.  The last two times I tried to have the pap test, I froze up and cried and fled without getting it done.  I can't tell you how many times I passed out in my younger years when I had to go to get my pills filled.  It seems like there would be some type of sedation which would allow me and all the others to have this done.  I know they have sedation dentistry now.  I really was made to feel silly and they tried to guilt me into having the pap test last time and I just can't put myself through this again.  I've tried to envision the whole appt. and talk myself into it, but it isn't working.  I really thought I was alone but am so glad to know I'm not and I'm not some freak.  It hurts and my anxiety is real and unavoidable.  

[isarah89]

So is there a Ob/Gyn out there that will put you to sleep for a Pap smear?

[sabrina157]

im 15 and im completely afraid to go to the gyno .....plese give me i need segestions ....

[odess434]

I was forced by my mother to have a pelvic exam and pap smear when i was 14, she refused to go in with me nor did she explaine what was going to happen. I was shocked and sick when the male doctor forced my leg's apart! Then all the stuff afterward's?  I got pregnant at 16 and the doctor i was forced to go to did lengthy rectal exams EVRY time i had to go in... I'm shaking thinking about it. Now at 50 i CAN NOT be internaly examened. I had a hysterctomy at 38 with a cervix removal and my female doctor still try's to insist she just wants to look, for what?!? She comes up with all kinds of reasons... no go. I'm relieved that i'm not alone. Same with breast exam's, no. I just cant be fondled like that, it feel's like legal rape!