WHY does it hurt like HELL to get a pelvic exam??

Question

Yes, I was as relaxed as possible.
No, the doctor didn't have any answers, even though he had to STOP in the middle of the exam because I almost passed out from the pain.
I was seeing a family doctor...could it be that? Do I need to be seeing a gynecologist instead?

And if that's what it's going to feel like having sex, FORGET ABOUT IT.

Also, I had it done a couple of times...and it hurt the same all 3 times...

Answer 1

I'd go to a gynecologist since they're specialized in women's health. Family doctors, while completely qualified, are generally less knowledgable about those issues.

You probably need additional lubrication and a smaller speculum. There could be something more serious going on because it shouldn't hurt like that.

Answer 2

I would go to an OBGYN and advise them of the problems you have had with past pelvic exams. The doctors previously do not specialize just in this field - and won't really have answers. Pelvic exams may be a little uncomfortable, but should never be painful. Tell your doctor about any pain, while they are performing the exam.
They may need to use a smaller speculum, and even though you try to relax-due to the stress your muscles may still be tight. I prefer women OBGYN's just because they have the same equipment as us and they may just understand better.

Answer 3

I'm no doctor, but it sounds like you need a specialist. I'd go see a gynecologist. Depends on what about the exam that hurt, I mean, ya, they are very uncomfortable, but you should not have pain, maybe just a little sometimes, but nothing like what you are describing. Even though I have endometriosis, my exams are not that painful, just the periods. I'm thinking they may be a uterine cyst or something? easy to take care of, but you need to find out. If it hurt just vaginally, I'd say that's normal if you are a virgin. Sex does hurt the first time if you've never um "had anything in there before". Including a tampon. If it's something inside that hurts, then you should see the gyno. good luck! you'll be fine.

Answer 4

A pelvic exam is uncomfortable, yes, but should not hurt -0 at least not to the point of screaming load, passing out pain!!

Perhaps you should try a gynecologist. Maybe they need to use a smaller speculum (instrument inserted into the vagina to open it up), and maybe they don't need to crank the speculum open so much.

Try a gynecologist - inform him or her how pelvic exams have hurt you so badly in the past. They should be working with you.

Try taking a couple of over-the-counter Ibuprofen tablets or an over-the-counter Aleve (Naproxen) tablet an hour before your exam.

and finally - don't stop having pelvic exams. It is a very important part of women's health.

Answer 5

If the pain is that severe, I'd recommend going to a specialist. Not to say that your family doctor doesn't know what he's doing, but a gynecologist may be more familiar with the "territory" and possibly be better able to spot anything that's wrong. Think of it like this: if you buy a super-expensive sports car, you could take it to Mr. Mechanic down the street, and he'd probably be able to do the basic maintenance you need without messing anything up, or forgetting a step, or whatever. But wouldn't you feel better going to the dealership?

Answer 6

It sounds like you have a problem called vaginismus. It a condition where you are unable to sustain any type of vaginal penetration because the walls of your vagina are contracted. This occurs for a variety of reasons and it's not a simple fix kind of problem. You may need to find a sort of "therapist" that can teach you how to have more control over those muscles. In order to have a pelvic exam and engage in enjoyable sex you need to learn to dilate your vaginal muscles. Try inserting your finger a little at a time, increasing the depth as your body get used to the foreign object. If your doctor doesn't know about this condition, you should see a gyno, they will be more knowledgeable.

Answer 7

A lot of the discomfort is muscle tension. You were not as relaxed as possible and thus the increased pain. Most people only have some minor discomfort when the speculum is opened so that the examiner can see. Severe pain is unusual. Seeing a gynecologist may have the exact same experience but it doesn't hurt to try someone different.

Answer 8

It hurts if your not turned on. Sex doesn't hurt like that.

I am not a virgin and I find the gyno exam extremely uncomfortable. It hurts and it's unpleasant. I have a history of cancer, so I get to go get it checked every six months.

Girl, I feel your pain, really. It's good that you go, though. Sounds to me like you have a really low pain tolerance, too. The truly strange thing is that women have less pain nerves in their vagina than any other part of the body. So, your kind of a wimp (just kidding). I have a very high pain tolerance and I think it hurts too. Especially the scraping.

If you want to see a gynecologist instead, then do so. I've heard that male doctors are more gentle than female doctors. I prefer female doctors because first of all, I'm modest, but the girl doctors just get it done as fast as possible and don't care about hurting me. I prefer to have more discomfort just to get it over with faster.

Answer 9

I've been getting pelvics for 25 years and the worst one I ever had was at my post-partum check up. Otherwise they're merely uncomfortable. The type of doctor you see should have no bearing on how the procedure goes.

All I can recommend is talking to your doctor BEFORE getting it done. Try to figure out WHAT exactly is causing the pain...the speculum? The swab? The pelvic palpitation? If you can figure out what's causing the pain, maybe the doctor can figure out WHY it hurts.

Answer 10

That is absolutely not normal. I would see a gynecologist right away, and let him/her know about it before they start an exam. It's entirely possible your family doctor was using a speculum that was too large.

I have had some discomfort with prior exams, but never actual pain.