The Absolutely Terrifying Experience of Having Your First Pelvic Exam
In honour of World Sexual Health Day, check out this amazing post by @ColourfulClarity
Once a year, women who are sexually active or over the age of 21 make an appointment for a pelvic exam. It is an appointment that I, personally, dread. I have been getting these exams for over a decade and I still get a nervous icky feeling. For this reason, I would like to share what a pelvic exam is, what to expect, and some ways to cope during the exam.
I am sure you have heard of the terms ‘pelvic exam, ‘Pap smear/test, and other variations of these words. A pelvic exam is made up by several parts: internal exam, pap smear (or test), STI swab, and may include a breast exam. During this exam, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and cover yourself with a sheet. Next, you will lie down on the exam table and put your feet in stirrups. The doctor will drop a part of the table to allow access to your vagina. The doctor will have lubricant, a speculum, and some long handled cotton swabs with containers. The doctor will wear gloves. While the order of the examinations may vary, here is a general walkthrough: the doctor will use lubricant and ease two fingers into the vaginal canal while using the other hand to push on the abdomen to feel for any abnormalities. Next, the doctor will use a device called a speculum to open the vaginal cavity to allow access to the cervix. The pap smear is when the doctor uses this small broom-like device to scrape a sample from the cervix. This test is used to detect precancerous and cancerous cells. It can also detect several strains of HPV. You may feel some slight pain or cramping. Lastly, the doctor may use a long handled cotton swab to collect a sample to test for STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. While it does not involve the pelvis, it is common to have a breast exam conducted by the doctor. At the end, the doctor will leave to for you to get dressed. It is important to schedule a follow up appointment for the results. Speak with the receptionist to find out how long to wait before returning for the results.
Over the years I have accumulated a few ways to deal with the discomfort – physically and emotionally. Firstly, the doctor performing the exam will likely engage in small talk or converse about topics relevant to you. For many years, I wore bright and cute knee socks and left them on when I disrobed. My gynecologist thought it was a hilarious idea. Another was to deal with the anxiety is to use fidget toys, string of beads, tear strips of paper, or other activity that keeps your hands busy. Deep breathing and mindfulness are conscious ways to calm oneself and just let the doctor do his/her thing.
Overall, it is my opinion that knowing ones gynecological health, STI status, and breast health is worth having one uncomfortable appointment a year. Keep in mind that you can have a loved one join you in the exam room if you think you would be more comfortable. Also, the exam may be done by a gynecologist, general practitioner, nurse practitioner, or internist. Sometimes, the exam is performed by one practitioner or may have a nurse present. If you do not have a primary care physician, organizations like Planned Parenthood and open clinics can help you arrange an appointment. Hopefully this post has eased some anxiety about having your first pelvic exam. You alone are responsible for your reproductive health.
-CC
Thank you for this post @ItsLee - even though it touches a topic which might feel uncomfortable to discuss or read, you explained it in a really informative, appropriate and peaceful way. I had a similar exam last year when I needed to be given the menstrual pill, and it wasn't bad: my ex boyfriend was there, the doctor was a woman and it was really quick. Hopefully now women will feel more relaxed before doing something intrusive like this (:
Actually, this is my post, @Resisti. I know that it is an uncomfortable topic to discuss hence why I decided to write about it. I used personal experience and health care provider information given to me by my personal general practitioner.
Also, there may be differences based on locality.
Thank you for your positive feedback
I was married in December and only had my first exam last month. I wish I had read this before then!
I am moving to the US soon. I am from a very conservative culture and do not feel comfortable with a man as my doctor. Alao I am hearing awful stories of insurance companies forcing people to only see certain doctors or they will gat no coverage. :( I am only 15, I want to make love, not babies. Well, babies later.
@Zahar
I know basically everyone here will disagree but, honestly if you're not having sex with a bunch of guys and are using condoms and not having any problems "down there" or with periods then don't go.
I got pregnant at 18 and have only had sex with one person my whole life and he'd only had sex with one other person who he hadn't seen in over a year (so no STDs plus we used condoms for a while). We both came from SUPER conservative backgrounds. I refused to have a male doctor, if it makes you uncomfortable don't do it. Seriously.
When I was pregnant I had to go to an emergency room because of some bad pain and the only doctor available was a man whom I had to wait 14hrs to see. I honestly felt violated, no other man but my husband had seen me naked. And this wasn't the 50's this was 2013. And I still to this day feel uncomfortable about it.
@Cheshire94 I do not mind so much if it is a woman. Here mainly women are gynecologists, anyway.
I did have to have an exam, to make sure everything is normal for when we are ready for children. When I move I will have to find a new doctor.
Excellent post.
If you want a humorous take on the whole thing, track down "My Angry Vagina" from The Vagina Monologues. There's a part that describes these visits in hilarious but true fashion, and usually when I have to go in for my exam I have it stuck in my head."Warm up the duck lips!"
@Lee Thank you for putting it in a friendly way Lee :)