I am 20 yrs old. I was the victim of a raping at a very young age. After being checked out by the hospital, it really made me scared and uncomfortable. that was when I was 6, now im 20 and still have never been to an OBGYN. my mother never took me to one, and since ive lived on my own for the last 2 years, i havent taken myself either. I am really scared and uncomfortable and really dont know how much it will cost. Does anyone have any advice for me?
Next an OBGYN is costly & unnecessary. Family
physicians will do the same exam & be cheaper.
Nobody likes the exam. It is just an uncomfortable position to be in. I also don't personally know any doctors who will let you "help" in the exam. But it
isn't necessary. It is over pretty quickly. Helping would probably just prolong the ordeal.
Kendra_Berri answered Sunday July 12 2009, 12:54 am: I too hate the pap smear and went through great anxiety with it. Here are the things I have found made the experience MUCH easier and less scary.
- Have the speculum lubricated for easier entry.
- Don't use the stirrups. Cross your ankles together and flop your knees down at the sides.
- Help the doctor guide the speculum in with your hands so you know exactly what is happening and you feel like you're choosing the entry and it's not happening to you against your will.
- Wear something familiar and comfortable over the gown, like a sweater you like.
- Inform your doctor about your sexual trauma so that he or she will be sensitive to your needs.
- Imagine you're on the toilet and relax as though you were having a bowel movement. Seriously. It really works. This imagery relaxes the right muscles, allowing for much smoother access of the speculum.
I don't know how much it costs because I'm Canadian and we don't pay for our healthcare. But as for your fears, it's totally normal to feel that way, you're not alone, and your doctor should be perfectly willing to work with your fears and concerns to make it more comfortable for you. [ Kendra_Berri's advice column | Ask Kendra_Berri A Question ]
BahaiMa22 answered Saturday July 11 2009, 8:47 pm: I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you as a child.
1. A gynocologist is a doctor, If you feel more comfortable you can even ask for a female.
2. I do not know how much it cost no..but if you have insurance you could call them and ask them about it.
3. It is recommended that you see a gynocologist once a year to get checked and be safe.
The first time is uncomfortable for everyone, Trust me though it is much better if you have a female doctor. Try to tell yourself you can do this and it will be okay. They are there to help. [ BahaiMa22's advice column | Ask BahaiMa22 A Question ]
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