Visit to Gynecologist - Pain, Pain, Pain

[futurehope]

Is this my imagination or does a visit to a gynecologist (involving some internal stuff and a pap smear) set off IC pain? Ouch!!!

He was trying to show me that my internal vaginal area is sore (no kidding) and that it needs some Estrace. (I'm menopausal.)

This pain is unreal.

Does anyone else have this reaction after a visit to a gynecologist?

BTW, when I reminded him that I have IC, he said, "That's a bad illness."
"No joke", I'm thinking. "That's an understatement."

On my last visit to him, he showed me by his prodding that the bladder is "hit" differently at different angles, and that wasn't any fun.

And, yes, I tell this dude that what he is doing really hurts. I say ouch, squirm, and move away. Sometimes I can't believe the **** that I put up with.

[miasowell]

Ask about elmoron? Just dxed myself hoping to see a uro soon. The flare ups are horrible

Mia

[Moonheart]

Ok, you need to get a female Gyn. Men just don't get it. *sigh*

[kadi]

Link for you on making pelvic exams easier for women with IC:

http://www.ichelp.org/FeatureArticles/MakingPelvicExamsEasier.html

I've always really hated pelvic exams. My current gynecologist can do them pretty well & they are still uncomfortable, but not horrible. I can tolerate them because her practice will not renew my birth control pill without an annual exam. The bc pill controls my IC to some degree, so there you have it, I go in once a year.

But, can't stand her nurse practitioner - she's awful at it! Last time I came away sore & bleeding. Won't accept an appt with her again. Period. And frankly, I know more about IC than she does, which doesn't bother me, but it seems to bother her. Not a good mix.

Hope the article helps for next time & you are feeling better soon!

[kadi]

Of the two best gynecologists I've seen, one's male & the other is female.

My current IC specialist & my local urologist are male & they have been incredibly understanding & kind to me when I've been in pain.

I think the main things are understanding of IC and compassion.
Those qualities are not gender dependent!

You know, there are lots of gynecologists out there....
Nothing wrong with looking around for a new one!
(And maybe your urologist or primary care doctor can steer you in the right direction!)

[Moonheart]

The thing is, I think women are a bit more sensitive to the parts inside and how they can be ultrasensitive and all. I agree, I've had very sensitive male Gyn's. But can relate to the women better.

[GriffsMommy]

The last time I had a pelvic exam it hurt like crazy. My bladder was already irrated and it put me into a big flare the rest of the day. I had gone because I was having some extremely painful breakthrough bleeding and it was freaking me out. I ended up having them write me a note to excuse me from work for the rest of the day because it hurt so bad there was no way I was going back to work. I hope the next time I go is not so bad, I've been putting off making an appt even though I should

[lnseagraves]

Actually, I don't think it matters who gives ME my annual... the last one I had was with a female doc who was very familiar with IC... BUT it still hurt like hell in the exam and made me flare afterwards. She did say my vagina slopes abnormally so she poked and prodded a bit more than normal... so maybe thats why. All I know is, she knew about it, tried to be gentle and it didn't matter. I still go once a year though as I thnk its important.

[sandramac]

I find any pelvic exam painfull regardless of the sex of the Doc .
Hugs Sandra

[Trishann]

OK you all are frightening me. I haven't when to a gynecologist for a long time and I finally got an appointment for next month. Now I wonder if this is going to be a major mistake and if I will be able to make it home afterwards. I definitely don't want to get this all started up again.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[kadi]

Check out the article link I posted above on making pelvic exams easier.
My doctor follows the suggestions, uses a pediatric speculum also.
Talking about your concerns about pain & pelvic exams with
the doctor before they start the exam can reallly make a difference.
You can also print out the article & take it with you.

[zanne]

I have always experienced painful pelvic/pap smears. And I think the drs think I am crazy. It doesn't matter if it is male or female. I always say during this is painful, or a certain area they are touching is painful. I just had to go the other day for a pelvic exam because my uro found a hard area during my cysto/hydro, and that exam was the worst yet, I kept telling her it hurt and she just kept saying try to relax and breath, no breathing or relaxing is going to make it better when it is that painful. Plus I was due to get my period any day so that didn't make it any better.

Now I have to go for a biopsy next week and I am scared to death. I know it is going to hurt, I asked her for a valium to take before and she said that I didn't need it and that the biopsy is just like an exam except they take a piece from the area to test it. Well, for me the exams are torture so this ought to be really fun. I do take Xanax only on an as needed basis, I haven't took then for about 6 mos so I am definately going to take one that day, but I know it won't be enough for me to relax.

I am glad I am not the only one that has painful pelvic exams. Sometimes the dr act like you are making this pain up.

SUe

[Zygala87]

For me personally, I don't intend to let any Doctor do an exam or put anything inside me ever unless I'm having major symptoms of cancer. I know it's not a wise decision but there comes a point that one has to draw a line in the sand as to what will be done to their bodies. I don't care if they are male or female, unless they have IC they just don't know what the heck they are doing or understand what we are going through. Period. Since I am over 60 it is a decision I am willing to make. I would advise younger people to not make this decision. Your whole life is ahead of you, don't take a chance on not living it. Ziggy

[sandramac]

Just a head's up . My Doc has me take a one time dose of antibotics during any pelvic exam or intercourse , To prevent infections.
Good luck
Hugs Sandra

[jen74]

You could ask your gyne to use a smaller speculum, like a pediatric size one. I had to go to my gyne the other day and get a culture done plus she did the pelvic exam and it did upset my IC that day, but you have to go through this sometimes. Pap tests are VERY important and need to be done. I would not want to get cancer down there and have it be to late to treat just because I was afraid of the pain from the exam. I would think that having cancer or having to have invasive teatment for cancer would be ALOT more painful than the pelvic exam. You kind of have to weigh these things in your mind.
There is no doubt, it sucks having to go through these things and having IC on top of it all. People that dont have IC dont know how lucky they really are, that is for sure. I hope they find a cure one day real soon.
Jen