I'm getting a physical soon and I'm so scared about the pelvic exam.?

Question

I'm turning 18 soon and I think I'll be getting my first pelvic/breast exam at my next doctor appointment. I'm not sexually active and I'm very modest and private about those parts of my body. It mortifies me to think that someone will be looking at them, touching them, etc. I have a male family doctor. I am so scared. What is it like? How can I calm my nerves and get through it?

Answer 1

First relax. I know it's stupid 4me2 say don't be anxious..

When you go in, tell the Dr that this is your first pelvic exam so they understand. There will be a female nurse there too. If there is a female PA at your Dr's practice, you may want to ask if she can give the exam or they may offer. Or you may want to switch to a female Dr.

It's done and over with very quickly like just a few min. For what it's worth, the first exam is the scariest and most awkward. After that than they are just a pain. Trust me it will be ok!

All the best :)

edit: p.s. If you really are overwhelmed and scared about the pelvic exam, you don't have to get it right there and then. Just ask to hold on that until another time and go have the rest of the physical.

But this is not a solution and at some time you need to have one. Maybe after you have had some time thinking about it. Maybe with another Dr. But this is important for your health for real. And it's normal and done all the time.

Answer 2

We have all been there, I am assuming your doctor is professional. With him being a male, a female nurse/assistant will also be in the room after you are undressed also. Tell them it is your first exam, ask him to explain what he is doing & why. They do certain things to feel things inside, checking ovaries, uterus size. The only uncomfortable feeling is embarrassment, they do not hurt so don't worry about that. Tell them you are not sexually active so they use the smaller instruments for comfort. These doctors have seen it all, trust me, they have seen such........... ok icky ones for infections, etc you have nothing to be embarrassed about at all. Yes you must use good hygeine but do not do what tons of women do & douche right before you go. If you must think you have to do this, make sure it is at least 48 hours before your appointment. The douching will wash away the natural secretions & tests such as pap test etc might not be accurate for you. Infections might be missed because you washed the "evidence away".

Answer 3

I had my first one at 17, so I understand what you mean. But really they are not that bad. The thought is worse than the fact. There should be a female nurse in the room with your male Doctor. That is standard.

Just remember this is his job. He is just checking you out to make sure you are healthy and in good physical shape.

Deep breath and meditate to calm your self. Take your Mom. Really you will be fine.

Answer 4

if you're uncomfortable with a male doctor, ask for a female. it is important to get the exam (you'll be screened for many things). just relax and take a deep breath before and during the exam. if you have a male doctor you can also request for a female nurse or a female family member to be present.
the first exam is uncomfortable but you can ease some pain by relaxing, really, just relax. you can psych yourself out and it can become more painful than necessary. Good luck!

Answer 5

The wellness care expert usually chats you up whilst they are interpreting you and that they sometimes inform you what they are doing. They be conscious of you're scared. So attempt to take a seat down back. It incredibly in basic terms lasts a minute or 2.

Answer 6

Make sure you tell the doctor that it is your first exam and you'd like an explanation of what he'll be doing. It will seem awkward, not doubt about it, but it is very fast and it will be over before you know it! I know it will be hard, but the more relaxed you are, the less uncomfortable it will be. Breath deep and try to think happy thoughts!

Answer 7

Read this article, it explains A LOT: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/gynecologicalhealthissues/a/gyn101.htm

And remember that this is for your health, not for a sexual reason. Your doctor needs to look at them and touch them to make sure that you are healthy. These are also parts of you and there is no reason to be embarassed! You are a woman and that's what you have. It's not dirty or bad, for Pete's sake, it's natural! So love your body and don't be embarassed to be a woman!

And tell your doctor that you are nervous. They can help you, but only if you tell them! It's okay!

Answer 8

I am 19 and I have been having them since I was 13 lol. I had big problems with my periods.... It is scary and embarrasing at first but you will get used to it....My mom has to be in there with me every time though lol It makes me feel safe and less nervous and also the female nurse has to be in there but not because I want the nurse to be there but she literally has to be in there. You just have to take a big deep breath and go in there and get it done~! Once you do you will feel alot better about it~! I still feel really weird getting naked and putting my feet in those weird feet thingys lol. Needs to be done though. Its for your health~!

Answer 9

listening to music helps me calm down a LOT. i bet that if you ask to get a female at least a week before, then i bet that they will change it for you. just say that you were very uncomfortable to hear that you will be having a male check those private areas and that you would like a female to make you more comfortable. it will all work out. just listen to you ipod while she checks, that always helps me when i get nervous.

Answer 10

I think you just have to detatch yourself...remember that to him, these bits of you are of no more interest than a letter to a postman...its just another one...they see them all the time and are used to them. When they look at you, they are very quick and its over before you know it. if you really dont want to se a male, then ask about seeing a female doc....