Will someone give me some tips on how to deal with my gyne appointment?

Question

I have to see a gynecologist on Monday, and I've not seen one for about 12 years. I am overweight (very), and the last time I went to a gynecologist, it was a very bad experience, which is why I've not been back. Can anyone give me some tips on how to deal with this embarrassing and humiliating experience?

I was 18 when I had my first pap smear. My family doctor did it. When he came in the room and saw me up in the stirrups, he made a big sighing noise, then got to work. I had a slight yeast infection, and when he told me that, he had a tone of disgust in his voice. It wasn't anything he directly did; he just made me feel embarrassed, humiliated, and very very uncomfortable. As I said, I'm a heavy girl, so I assumed that his problem was with looking at a fat chick's ****. I avoided any other gynecological things like the plague. I have an appointment on Monday with a new gynecologist because I have to take care of myself, but the old fears and anxieties are back. How can I minimize these?

Answer 1

It is always a little humiliating for any woman, believe me - with weight issues or not. You have to go in there with the attitude that you are there to better your health, no more. Confidence in yoursellf AND the Dr. is a big thing. Have you seen this Dr. before? Hopefully it isn't the same one that you had the bad experience with. I always start conversation about vacations or something way outside of what I am actually doing - but a good Dr. will start those conversations first.

In short, walk in with your head held high. Close your eyes during the entire exam and take slow, calculated breaths. Know that what you are doing is the right thing for your health and treat yourself to a shopping spree or spa day afterward (or whatever it is you enjoy most).

Best of Luck! Just know you are not alone. Every woman hates it.

Answer 2

Let the doctor know you are uncomfortable. They should be able to put your mind at ease. A good gynecologist will not judge you on your weight, yeast infection or whatever! They are there to do a job and to help you. You're doing the right thing by going and hopefully you will be able to continue to get your checks regualarly after this visit. Just know, i don't think anyone with their feet up in the air in the stirrups is that all at ease!

Answer 3

Firstly remember that you are paying him, and not the other way around. Secondly tell yourself how important it is to stay healthy. What do you care if the gynecologist is disgusted? He has a job to do and he should do it. His unprofessional conduct is not your problem.....Your problem is to get this check up completed. Just take a deep breath, remember you are a person with emotions just like everyone else; and keep them in check. If the appointment goes well make a follow up. If it doesn't make an appointment with a female. You can do it......it only lasts a few minutes.

Answer 4

Because it's your first time in a while I would start with asking that the first part of the visit be where you talk to the dr in plain clothes first and as one of the other posters said let them know that you are nervous about this experience. Then when it's time to do the exam try to relax. Put your hands down on the table as putting them on top of your abdomen even if it is comfortable to do makes their work harder at feeling things. I learned this from one of the first gyns I went to.

I go to a female gyn so if the gender is also an issue for you I would start with a female one.

Answer 5

You didn't say how it was embarrassing or humiliating, so not sure what exactly you mean. I would suggest you go to a female gynecologist, or if that is not an option, request to have a female nurse in the room when it is done.

Answer 6

i have done thousands and thousands of pelvic examinations, on fat women, skinny women, women with std's, women with ovarian, cervical pelvic cancer, women having miscarriages, women having babies, women with stuck tampons, women with sexual toys stuck in them, rich women, homeless women, women who are clean, women who are dirty and stink. to be honest, its a job. most physicians dont care about all the things that u are worried about. even if we are disgusted, its only for couple of minutes and then we forget all about it and move on to the next patient and we dont even remember you or your vagina.
just keep your self clean, and go get ur self checked out and dont tthink to much about it. take a friend that can keep you company and hold your hand, that way you dont feel alone.