[melchan]

Hi All

I'm new to this space... maybe someone can advice. About one year ago I went for my first pelvic exam which was simply a nightmare! Is it really necessary to go through this every year? No big deal to skip, right? Any views...? Thanks

[delta]

Hi and welcome! It's really necessary b/c it can detect abnormal cells in the cervix and paps detect cervical cancer very early. None of us look forward to it, but you really need to do it. It saves lives. I prob. wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for my annual checkups. Since you've gone thru it once, you kind of know what to expect, so it may not be so bad this time.

[melchan]

Hi Delta

Many thanks for your input and thanks for the reminder :-) you're right - there is no way around. However, it would not be so bad if it would be that pap test alone :-( ... perhaps I should look for another doc...

[delta]

By all means look for another doc if u r not comfortable w/ the current one. I've gone thru a lot of docs w/ all my female health problems. Take care.

[WildChild]

Actually there are a growing number of docs who aren't so keen on paps. There are some alternatives but you will have to do your research and find a doc you are comfortable with. Personally I prefer a woman GYN, simply because she lives in the same gender body and should understand better what you feel. But just because a doc is a woman doesn't mean you will like everyone of them. Keep looking until you find someone you are comfortable with. Regular check ups are important and having a care provider you feel comfortable to talk with is too.

[Phoebee]

It gets easier each time. DH says the same thing about doing DREs. Is the gender of the Doctor a problem? My husband was freaked out about seeing a male doctor for dealing with ED for example. So he just saw a female MD (And still does) He said its easier to talk to her then to the male doctor he was seeing.

[melchan]

hmmm...alternative to paps? what would that be...? I could not imagine to see a male doc. However, my last experience was with a female doc and it was everything else than pleasant. I'm due again in January and sure looking forward to it... :-(

[sourpuss]

I go about every 15-16 months. But definitely find a good doctor that you feel comfortable with. The annual exam is not pleasant but it should be traumatic.

[Phoebee]

That didn't come out well. Gender was clearly an issue for DH. He tells me that it was also finding a doctor who was capable of explaining things and listening once in a while. ;-) He really likes this doctor because she spells out things in "guy talk" so he knows a little bit about why he needs to take a pill(s) for his blood pressure. Not just "Take this"

I strongly think you should try seeing a new doctor next time. Maybe explain that you had a bad experience and then go from there. NEVER be afraid to switch doctors if your not getting the right care. Some might be great in some ways but if they have no bedside manner?

[melchan]

right...I'd never return to this doc for another torture round. She was recommended to me - and now I wonder for what. However, she was doing everything very fast and did not explain a word. All I could do was staring at the ceiling n biting my lips...duuh :-(