Okay so i keep on debating going for a physical with my family doctor! I need to talk to her about the anixiety attacks that i have been having. Should I do that before or after the exam? Can i talk to her about not doing a pelvic exam ? I know its for my benefit but i dont think i could do it. and what will she do other then a pelvic exam? ... Quickly for the breast exam are you covered up for it or are you flat out open (in a sense) Please help calm me down.
Thanks in advance
2006-10-14 15:55:37 · 7 answers · asked by Kimberly 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
If you're stressed, definitely talk to her in advance. She is very used to dealing with nervous patients, so she'll be able to talk you through it.
You do need the pelvic exam. There's a variety of conditions and abnormalities they check for, which, if left untreated, could do anything from making you infertile to, well, a lot worse. With yearly exams, though, they'll be able to catch those problems before they become dire. It's really not as bad as it sounds. It's going to be weird and probably embarrassing the first time or two, but there's nothing to worry about. It can be a bit uncomfortable, but nothing should be painful. There's always a nurse in there, too, and you can bring in your mom or sister or a friend for moral support. The major parts of the pelvic exam are the pap smear/cervix check. The speculum: not that bad. I mean, it's not something I'll be bringing home for fun, but it's got nothing on, say, cramps. Ask for the virgin speculum; it doesn't open as wide, so it'll be more comfortable. You can also ask them to warm it up with water, too. There's also the ovary check, which is my personal least favorite part. The doctor puts her fingers inside of you and pushes on your stomach above your ovaries with her other hand to check on them. I hate it because it's the most painful part for me. It's not really painful, but, man, does my doctor press hard. Then again, I've got a bit of extra padding there, so...
As for the breast exam, I've had it done both ways. They give you those wretched paper gowns to put on. If you don't want to bare your breasts and you don't need a mammogram (I guess; I haven't started getting those yet), you can probably just put the fashionable wrap opening in the front, and your doctor can do the exam through that.
2006-10-14 16:07:51 · answer #1 · answered by random6x7 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First things first, ABSOLUTELY get a pelvic exam, as well as breast exam. The risk of not getting these simple ans quick procedures done is not worth your life. Both exams can catch things like cancer much earlier than once the symptoms start. I know both exams are not comfortable, but you have a female doctor so that should help a bit. Also, doctors and nurses are trained and taught when doing an exam of any kind to maintain the patients dignity and privacy as much as possible. The breast exam may be "out in the open" so that she may compare your breast, they should be relatively similar in shape and size, one is always a bit larger, but any major differences can help identify other issues.
The most important thing to remember is that you are doing this for you and your health not for any other reason, If your worried about the doc finding "something", keep in mind it's better to catch things earlier then when it's too late.
Take care of yourself so you can be around for others to love you and you love them back.
2006-10-14 23:05:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You put on a gown that opens in front. THe way my gyn does it she opens one side and does a breast exam and the closes it and goes to the other side and opens the gown again and does the other side breast exam and then closes the gown and pulls it up with a sheet over my women part and does my pelvic so you dont lye there buck naked. I would talk to her about your anxeity during the exam that way your not thinking about your pelvic exam
2006-10-14 23:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by Alexis221 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
be fore the exam.they is nothing to a pelvic exam, you should have one,about the breast exam , you may have a grow on and have to open it for her to exam you but don't be afraid. I'm in my 60s and I was a little afraid the first time to but there's nothing to it. Good luck
2006-10-14 23:05:40 · answer #4 · answered by Janet H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
before your doctor exams you talk to them about your anxiety they usually have a female nurse in the room with you when they do these exams anyways one time i even had the female nurse hold my hand and they were very nice about it.as for the breast exam they give you a paper gown and they open it one side at a time as they examine each each breast and for the downstairs area they do put a sheet over your lap.relax i guarantee the waiting in the waiting room to see the doctor will be longer than the actual exams
2006-10-14 23:17:18 · answer #5 · answered by cookiemonster5210 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible because your anxiety and panic are making it impossible to think clearly!
2006-10-14 22:59:28 · answer #6 · answered by backinbowl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are fully exposed. Think of it this way - we all go through it.
2006-10-14 22:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋