Gyn visit-post menopausal women, tell me your experience

[Debbi in Texas]

Today I went for my gyn checkup-it had been three years. I have never waited that long to go.

 

I have been experiencing dryness for some time and the doctor knew I was post-menopausal.

 

The examination Hurt!! I told him it was hurting and he said it was due to my severe dryness. Ok-I knew that. But isn't there some way he could have made the exam more comfortable?

 

Please tell me I don't have to continue having painful gyn exams.

 

Thanks,

Debbi

[Carol in Cal.]

Well, they are supposed to use a lot of lube.

Personally I would stop someone who was hurting me, and tell them to back off and relube.  

 

[kiwik]

I find it has more to do with the skill and sensitivty of the person doing the test.

[ThisIsTheDay]

 

 

Please tell me I don't have to continue having painful gyn exams.

 

 

 

You don't have to continue having painful gyn exams. 

 

See a different doctor next time.  If it were me, I would also mention this experience, with the expectation they will be extra sensitive to my unpleasant experience.

 

That doctor sounds like a complete jerk, sorry.

 

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

 

[ktgrok]

Yup, see another doctor. My advice is to call and talk to a nurse, and ask who is the most gentle. I have found a doctor, finally, that doesn't hurt me during PAP smears. I have really weird anatomy (people have to get on their knees to visualize my cervix) and they HURT me. add in that after my weight loss surgery I had dryness and it was awful. Went to this guy and it was like he didn't even touch me, it was so painless. Lots of lube, and he thinks it through and visualizes where the anatomy is before just banging around in there. I found him by asking the nurses who was the best as far as being pain free for my IUD insertion (and he was), but I'm sticking with him. I won't use him for OB stuff, we disagree on too much regarding labor, but I'm praying he never retires from gyn stuff ever. 

[Carol in Cal.]

Also, you can tell them you want to put in the speculum yourself.  That's what I do.

[HRAAB]

I would find another doctor and tell them about your last experience. No, it doesn't have to hurt. My doctor is very in tune with what I'm feeling. It might be sexist, but this is why I will only go to a female GYN. Of course there can be uncaring female doctors, but based on my personal experience I'm staying with female doctors.

[jelbe5]

Unless I am mistaken the recommendation is exams be done every 3 years now unless there is a history of cervical/uterine cancer.

 

And I agree - find someone else. The exam should have stopped immediately when you said it hurt and the doctor should have found a way to make things more comfortable. Sounds like someone was in a hurry!

Edited January 14, 2016 by jelbe5

[Debbi in Texas]

Thanks ladies-I appreciate your input.

 

I do intend to find another gyn