Alternatives to having a pelvic exam?

Question

What are some alternatives to having a pelvic exam? I know that certain things (i.e. a pap smear) cannot be done in any other way, however, I flat out refuse to have one. I will not be budged on that decision either, so please, don't try. :)

This is arising now for the first time because I'm having a period lasting almost 20 days after some steroids I was on (see: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ah22rHxbvaC8IdPJuAHtHmPsy6IX?qid=20070201081256AAoZ4Lx for more details). I have a call into my primary, but I know that she will just say to go to the GYN. I'm still in my mid-teens too, so it's not like I'm 30 years old and I've never had a pelvic.

I'm wondering what they'll do as far as tests for a long-lasting period after steroid use since I'll refuse the pelvic. Blood tests? What about ultrasounds to see the ovaries and the uterus?

Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

If you don't want a pelvic exam, you can get an ultrasound. They might also do blood work to figure out what is going on .

EDIT: ignore all the people with the bad attitude. If you don't want a pelvic, that is fine. The nurse feels around inside you during a pelvic. If she feels something, she then sends you for an ultrasound anyways....a pap only tests for HPV, just so you know.

Answer 2

Its hard to understand you're concerns. First, I'm sure you didnt post that question to be lectured about the importance of female pelvic exams, and I understand you're refusal for one. I am 19 years old and I just (literally... last month JUST) went in for my first pelvic. Its not that bad. Its not bad at all actually, and its worth it to ease your mind.
However, if no matter what you refuse, there's not much they can do to find out whats wrong. The could run some blood tests but those answers are limited. Ultrasounds MAY work, but even if they find something, they have to find out whats causing it, and for that they will need a more complete exam for that. All in all, you're doctor should be working WITH you to figure this. Call and emphasize how worried you are, because doctors like to take a lot of things with a grain of salt. I with you the best of luck and hope this helps a little.

Answer 3

For excessively long periods, probably the first thing that they will look at is bloodwork to see if your hormonal levels are noticeably skewed. They *might* look at an ultrasound or MRI of your uterus and ovaries... FYI, you would have to ask for an abdominal ultrasound rather than transvaginal if you don't want anything inserted in your vagina. If you are having these symptoms for a reason besides hormonal imbalance, a lot of the treatments and diagnostic techniques will involve some medical professionals getting up into your crotch in some way.

Your doctor *will* want to perform a pelvic exam. It's one of the quickest and most valuable baseline techniques that they have. While, of course, you can refuse it, it'll complicate your diagnosis and treatment. I have known several doctors who are willing to sedate women with severe pelvic-phobia... not sure if that would help in your case or not.

Answer 4

To all of the people who says this person is immature and have to suck it up, stop being so judgemental and ignorant. Some people have genuine problems with being exposed like that. I have Aspergers and can't even shake my doctors hands because any physical contact will possibly give me a anxiety attack, so how the hell would I ever be able to let her get all up in my business? Answer is no, I'm simply just not gonna be able to do that. I need an alternative. Stop being so narrow-minded, there are people who have a solid reason for this being a problem.

Answer 5

you would be fantastic, I promise. All they frequently do is poke around some spots, each and every so often they push only a tiny bit on specific spots to make specific you're no longer experiencing any strange soreness or something. A pap smear for me grew to become into no longer something. they only style of rub something on the internal wall of your vagina after which you're executed. this is rather no longer something, as long as you're comfortable, so provide up stressing your self out approximately it! you will be fairly fantastic, and probable relieved while this is throughout with. And there are kits you need to purchase in Walmart that try for Vaginal issues. i've got by no skill tried one, yet i think of that's a swab subject which you rub on the interior, and despite colour it differences into is what you have. And no physician is ever going to tell you which you're being a baby. And in the event that they do, i'm specific you may record them for being so advise. i'm hoping I helped, and sturdy success! and don't hassle. (:

Answer 6

Well, we can tell that your not an adult because as adults we understand that you have to do things that we don't want to. If there were better alternatives then many other women would have it done, but the best is a pelvic exam. I know it's not comfortable but its a part of being a women. You just have to drop your pants and deal.

Answer 7

Dear lack of wisdom teen,
Have you asked girls of your age under similar circumstances? A word of advise from some one you trust regarding going through special tests will for sure help. Have you left such feelings of refusing to things for your own benefit behind? Little maturity in making decisions especially for your own health is evident! Go ahead and resolve whatever wrong is with your period! The sooner the better! OK?

Answer 8

No, there isn't a test that can replace a pelvic exam. Sorry, you are either going to have to wait it out or suck it up. Why are you so against it? It's your heath! And if you have kids, then you have to go someday. How old are you anyway? You sound kind of immature.

Answer 9

How can you people be so insensitive and rude. Dont you realize that there could be psychological factors

Answer 10

ultrasound sonography is the alternative.