What Women Think About Going To The Gynecologist

Squeaky the Squirrel

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/what-women-think-about-going-to-the-gynecologist

Squeaky the Squirrel

Squeaky the Squirrel wrote: »

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/what-women-think-about-going-to-the-gynecologist

I don't give it that much thought.

I go, avoid looking directly at the speculum, grit my teeth for three minutes, then I forget about it until next time.

Morag

Very americanised.
Very year, lol not in this country.
And most women have their own gp or practice nurse do it.

YumCha

I've experienced the judgey-ness for sure... once had a (female) GP here tell me that my number of sexual partners was 'a bit much don't you think?' (fyi I rounded down!). This was after asking me why I didn't have a partner, whether I wanted to have kids (and looking shocked when I said no) - even though I had presented with something not sexually-related at all.

When I told her that I had come expecting impartial medical advice, didn't give two hoots about what she thought about my number of partners and that I found her attitude offensive, she told me she thought I was offensive and I walked out and promptly made a complaint about her.

The clinic (bless them) made her call me tomorrow to apologise but when I asked her to explain in her own words what she thought she did wrong she was completely unrepentant, and said it was exactly the same as telling a smoker not to have 50 cigarettes in a day. She was a temp and I spoke to my regular GP about it and thankfully have never seen her there since.

I'd never let someone get in the way of my health but after that I can certainly understand the reluctance in some cases...

Squeaky the Squirrel

Outta curiosity and tell me to fig off if you want but how many "is abit much"?

Stheno

Squeaky the Squirrel wrote: »

Outta curiosity and tell me to fig off if you want but how many "is abit much"?

No idea, but that link is the complete opposite of my experience.

I see my gynae every twelve weeks, it's like going in to see a friend, she nags about my smear test every couple of years, but she is absolutely great to deal with, holds no fear for me at all.

She also takes an interest in my overall health, and if she can help she does.

Siuin

I'm 22 and never went to a gyne or had anything sexually-related done by a doctor. Which is probably terrible, but I've never had unprotected sex and had very few partners, so I don't really see the point unless I actually felt there was something amiss.

Das Kitty

Siuin wrote: »

I'm 22 and never went to a gyne or had anything sexually-related done by a doctor. Which is probably terrible, but I've never had unprotected sex and had very few partners, so I don't really see the point unless I actually felt there was something amiss.

I don't know what the current norm for smear testing is, but when I started going for them it was within 2 years of becoming sexually active (I think I remember 25 and over recently though).

I've had good and bad experiences with gynaecologists. Having smears done by GPs was grand. Doesn't bother me in the slightest. I had some unexplained vulval pain for a long time though and I was sent to a series of gynaes who 'tried' to diagnose me.

One guy barely looked at me and told me I had genital warts (which was weird seeing as I had no lesions or protusions in skin). When I questioned him be basically told me to get out of his office. I kept being told I had thrush, in spite of all tests coming back negative. I really felt like they were looking for the easy solution with me. It wasn't fun.

Took 5 years and nearly 4 grand in private fees to get the actual diagnosis (scarring from a previous infection -- something I suggested to every doctor I saw before that but was dismissed). Had to have a couple of simple surgeries but was right as rain after.

Then having my baby I had a mixed bag of gynaes too. Most were great, but one guy just wanted to get that baby out of me and he gave me a membrane sweep too early. Terrible.

I have to go now soon again and I've done my research this time, I know the name of the consultant I want to see and what she's like.

Morag

Siuin wrote: »

I'm 22 and never went to a gyne or had anything sexually-related done by a doctor. Which is probably terrible, but I've never had unprotected sex and had very few partners, so I don't really see the point unless I actually felt there was something amiss.

Some sti and conditions don't have noticeable symptoms, so it is best to get checked just in case.

Neyite

Strangely enough the worst internal I had while giving birth was the midwife with small hands- it hurt. The gynae - Massive guy with hands like shovels (gulp!) didnt hurt me half as much when checking how far dilated I was.

I have no problem going to a doctor and discussing anything now.

Sala

I had my first smear last year. My doctors (they interchange in the practice, all lovely youngish women and very relaxing medical professionals) nagged me all the time, but in a nice way. One frog marched me to the desk to book in the next week as I had my period and kept making excuses .

I was putting it off and off, and when i finally got it done, I didn't even know she had done it! My own experience was her fiddling around a bit, chatting, could barely feel any thing at all, then she took off the gloves and said I was done - I swear to you I thought she hadn't properly started. She said some people are easier for the Doctors to do with shape etc, but also that Doctors are much better since they now do smears every day whereas in the past without free smears it was once in a blue moon. Anyway, just thought I'd post since I have discovered a shocking number of friends and relatives who have asked me about it and have not gone yet, with the fear and some are in their 30s so well about the age they need to start.

Anyway I just thought I'd post it as the fear put me off for years and then it was a walk in the park. I was more shocked by how much of a nothingness experience it was than anything!

gg2

Never been.... Never had a smear. My GP is pretty easy come easy go- the last time I went in to get my blood pressure checked she gave me a breast exam and said to come back soon for the smear. I know its not up to her to push me for it but I'm just so afraid they will find something wrong with me.

Morag

gg2 wrote: »

Never been.... Never had a smear. My GP is pretty easy come easy go- the last time I went in to get my blood pressure checked she gave me a breast exam and said to come back soon for the smear. I know its not up to her to push me for it but I'm just so afraid they will find something wrong with me.

I had my first abnormal smear this year and I've been getting them done regularly for the last 20 years. I'll not lie to you there is a history in the family
and I was all over the place waiting to have a repeat done but it came back fine and even if it didn't there is a range of very simple procedures which they can do to sort it out.

SO I know it's hard but, not knowing and if there is an issue can have big repercussions later on in life, but getting spot checked and having things tweaked if needed gets easier the more you do it.

Stheno

I should have said in my previous post that just due to circumstances, I ended up with a GP a few years ago for general health and a gynae for female health/contraceptive issues, and have stuck with that system as I really like my gynae, at the time I didn't like my gp, I've a new one now whom I like, but six years of history with my gynae is not something I want to lose.

She works in the public system and runs a clinic outside of her public hours on one evening and a Saturday which also suits me down to the ground as I never need to take time off work to see her.

But for her I'd suspect I'd not have had the likes of Dexa scans that I have had to check the effect of Depo on my overall health.

IvyTheTerrible

I don't about anything much, except perhaps the great chat the two of have while he's doing whatever it is he has to do!

I used to be very prudish about getting my genitals examined but after being pregnant and getting a gynae exam ever month (from the same gynaecologist), I don't worry at all about it now. I suppose I was lucky that my GP gave me the recommendation of a good gynae. We have a good relationship and I'll definitely be going back to him for all my smear tests and if I get pregnant again.

Malari

gg2 wrote: »

Never been.... Never had a smear. My GP is pretty easy come easy go- the last time I went in to get my blood pressure checked she gave me a breast exam and said to come back soon for the smear. I know its not up to her to push me for it but I'm just so afraid they will find something wrong with me.

Even if they do, they have several stages of "things not not quite right" which are very treatable, so I really hope you do get checked. I had several normal smears then an abnormal and they are really good at following up and testing and making sure you are right again before going back to the 2 year check-up routine. Please go! It's really not that bad and it's over so quick. Easier than getting your bloods done

miamee

I don't think I;ve ever been to one, I've had any smears done by GP or nurse.

username123

I dont mind any of it. Smears, colposcopy, internal exams etc.... I just get in with it and if it hurts I say ouch and if theres a video screen showing my internals I try not to look at it! Ive had some borderline smears so am currently under the clinic in the Coombe for checks - normal last time though so fingers crossed its all behind me.

The worst used to be my old GP for smears, her examining table was really high up and Im quite small so there would be this horribly undignified scramble to get onto it, with no knickers on. Not fun. Another time I put my foot through a the bum of a pair of lacey knickers in my haste to get them back on.

username123

username123 wrote: »

The worst used to be my old GP for smears, her examining table was really high up and Im quite small so there would be this horribly undignified scramble to get onto it, with no knickers on. Not fun. Another time I put my foot through a the bum of a pair of lacey knickers in my haste to get them back on.

Wear a skirt. It covers your modesty until the dreaded 'heels together' moment and its easy to get the drawers back on without looking like you're frantic

username123

Candie wrote: »

Wear a skirt. It covers your modesty until the dreaded 'heels together' moment and its easy to get the drawers back on without looking like you're frantic

Yeah, I wore a short dress and leggings one time and it was much easier!! Mind you I was a lot younger with the foot through knickers incident so I dont think Im as frantic these days.

tan11ie

gg2 wrote: »

Never been.... Never had a smear. My GP is pretty easy come easy go- the last time I went in to get my blood pressure checked she gave me a breast exam and said to come back soon for the smear. I know its not up to her to push me for it but I'm just so afraid they will find something wrong with me.

Just go and get it done, there's nothing to be scared of and it's done pretty quickly. It would be worse not to go for check ups and find out eventually you have something that could have been detected at an earlier stage through a smear.

I go every three years and I don't give it a second though...your health is your wealth as they say.

Ambersky

First couple of times I had a smear test done it didnt hurt at all and I didnt know what women were complaining about or were afraid of.
Then a few years ago it hurt and the doctor kept saying "keep breathing, just keep breathing" at me. I felt like pushing her away and she got such a bad sample they were unable to get any kind of a reliable result from it.
To cut a long story short I discovered a few things since then that have made smear test easy for me again.
The first thing is it can be a lot easier if you put the speculum in yourself. Its not rocket science, you kind of know where its going (dont you). It may take a bit of adjusting when you are finished but thats usually the ok part. My gynecologist says she gets her patients to do this all the time especially if they are nervous and it makes them feel less vulnerable and more in control, helps them relax and therefore makes for an easier exam. Any GP I have suggested this to has been ok with it. A couple were taken aback and said no one had asked them to do it before and one GP thanked me and said she would get more of her patients doing it.
The second thing is that speculum s come in different sizes. If you have had a child you probably need the larger wider speculum but if you have never had children there are narrower ones and shorter ones too. So if it hurts they may have a size that will still allow sufficient view of your cervix but not hurt you as much.
Basically I am saying it is possible to take more control of the situation and your own health. So dont be put off even if it hurt you before. Get that smear test done.

chickenbutt

I actually like my gynecologist. Well, really she is a nurse practitioner, I don't think I've ever met my gynecologist. Anyway, she is so nice and easy going, it really makes the whole experience relaxing for me. I've seen my file and she writes little notes in it about what I'm up to in my life so she will remember what to ask me about next time we meet. It was really nerve wracking the first time I went, but now I really don't mind at all.

cdaly_

username123 wrote: »

If there's a video screen showing my internals I try not to look at it!

As a guy I probably won't have to endure much in the way of internal exams but I'd be so into seeing what's on the screen!

I find it odd that people wouldn't want to see...

cdaly_

cdaly_ wrote: »

As a guy I probably won't have to endure much in the way of internal exams but I'd be so into seeing what's on the screen!

I find it odd that people wouldn't want to see...

One day...if you're lucky....you'll have a colonoscopy :P

username123

cdaly_ wrote: »

As a guy I probably won't have to endure much in the way of internal exams but I'd be so into seeing what's on the screen!

I find it odd that people wouldn't want to see...

I do normally like that kind of thing, but when you can feel it happening its different.

Well if you ever have a colonoscopy they give you an amnesiac and a sedative and off they go with the procedure. I had one and I can remember some bits of it (you are not supposed to but lots of people do, just dreamlike bits). Anyway, afterwards I got talking to a med student who had been present for my procedure, besides being horrified that I remembered bits, she was most amused that I had found the video display fascinating and in fact, had asked intelligent (and unintelligible!) questions about it.

Ambersky

cdaly says
As a guy I probably won't have to endure much in the way of internal exams

Guys musnt forget those prostate exams though. Depending on age I suppose. No metal or plastic bits being inserted but important never the less.

Roadtrippin

Squeaky the Squirrel wrote: »

Outta curiosity and tell me to fig off if you want but how many "is abit much"?

In case the other poster doesn't get around to answering... I think that's none of your bees wax! Either way any GP/nurse should be impartial and professional and don't pass judgement, no matter how few or many partners someone has had.

Squeaky the Squirrel

Roadtrippin wrote: »

In case the other poster doesn't get around to answering... I think that's none of your bees wax!.

Yea, thought better of it after and was going to remove but to late.

Roadtrippin

Squeaky the Squirrel wrote: »

Yea, thought better of it after and was going to remove but to late.

To be honest, I think with some GPs/people in general it doesn't take a high number for them to raise their eyebrow... And what is 'a bit much' anyway?

username123

Roadtrippin wrote: »

To be honest, I think with some GPs/people in general it doesn't take a high number for them to raise their eyebrow... And what is 'a bit much' anyway?

To some people more than 1 is a bit high, to some, more than 10, to some, more than 100 etc..... Its a totally individual thing. There is no "standard". Any number is mentally compared to some arbitrary figure in a persons head and to that person my 10 could be high, or my 50 could be low.

Hersheys

Had a smear in feb 2010 with a gynae in a hospital (there for an unrelated issue & while he was examining he asked if I wanted the smear done so two birds with one stone)

So I'm due one, will go to the practice nurse.

My only real concern is how she will perceive by lady garden - almost feel like I should trim before I go!

Das Kitty

Hersheys wrote: »

Had a smear in feb 2010 with a gynae in a hospital (there for an unrelated issue & while he was examining he asked if I wanted the smear done so two birds with one stone)

So I'm due one, will go to the practice nurse.

My only real concern is how she will perceive by lady garden - almost feel like I should trim before I go!

As long as you're clean, don't worry.

I think you need to be registered on http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/ and they send you a letter to bring to your nurse/doc.

Hersheys

Das Kitty wrote: »

As long as you're clean, don't worry.

I think you need to be registered on http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/ and they send you a letter to bring to your nurse/doc.

Aye, thanks, have the letter am just waiting for my period to go before I make the appointment

This time last year I would have completely freaked out about this but now it's all good

mood

I only been to a gyne once for something my GP couldn't deal with. Is it normal to go to a gyne for smear instead of GP/practice nurse? I assumed you would only see one for a specific problem or pregnancy.

Itwasntme.

I hate going to the gynae. Maybe it's because I come from a country where the men are archaic and are allowed to get away with so much but every single gynae I've been to apart from one has perved on me. One asked for my phone number after and stalked me for quite a while (he was a brother to one of my friends); the other, with his fingers still inside me, said, "your muscles are tight (of course they are- I am tense because you are creepy!), your husband must be a happy man." I didn't respond so he continued, "do you have a husband because if you don't, I could make you very happy." :mad::mad:

I haven't been to one in Dublin and I think there might be only two female gynaes back home so now unless I absolutely can't get out it, I won't go to the gynae .

mood

Itwasntme. wrote: »

I hate going to the gynae. Maybe it's because I come from a country where the men are archaic and are allowed to get away with so much but every single gynae I've been to apart from one has perved on me. One asked for my phone number after and stalked me for quite a while (he was a brother to one of my friends); the other, with his fingers still inside me, said, "your muscles are tight (of course they are- I am tense because you are creepy!), your husband must be a happy man." I didn't respond so he continued, "do you have a husband because if you don't, I could make you very happy." :mad::mad:

I haven't been to one in Dublin and I think there might be only two female gynaes back home so now unless I absolutely can't get out it, I won't go to the gynae .

I'm sure it's easy to find a female gyne. You GP will know of some.

Did you report any of these men?

eviltwin

Itwasntme. wrote: »

I hate going to the gynae. Maybe it's because I come from a country where the men are archaic and are allowed to get away with so much but every single gynae I've been to apart from one has perved on me. One asked for my phone number after and stalked me for quite a while (he was a brother to one of my friends); the other, with his fingers still inside me, said, "your muscles are tight (of course they are- I am tense because you are creepy!), your husband must be a happy man." I didn't respond so he continued, "do you have a husband because if you don't, I could make you very happy." :mad::mad:

I haven't been to one in Dublin and I think there might be only two female gynaes back home so now unless I absolutely can't get out it, I won't go to the gynae .

I'm shocked reading that, no wonder you don't want to go to a gynae after that :eek::mad:

I have never been to a gynae ever, all my smears are done through the nurse in my gp's office and I have never had any reason to get checked out. I only ever got looked at internally during pregnancy when I was in labour. If I did I would just go to my gp anyway.

I also think of gynaes as being a very american thing.

Itwasntme.

mood wrote: »

I'm sure it's easy to find a female gyne. You GP will know of some.

Did you report any of these men?

This didn't happen in Ireland and no, I didn't report these men because it wouldn't have been seen as a big deal. I live in Dublin and I haven't had reason to go to a GP since I've been here. I probably should.

PS: I meant two female gynaes where I am from. I didn't mean in Ireland or Dublin in particular.

Squeaky the Squirrel

Roadtrippin wrote: »

To be honest, I think with some GPs/people in general it doesn't take a high number for them to raise their eyebrow... And what is 'a bit much' anyway?

None of your bees wax!:rolleyes:

Isolt

I don't mind going to the gynecologist. I really like and trust my one, she moved to a different clinic so I even took an hour long bus journey last week when I was due a check up so I wouldn't have to visit a new one. She's cool and I think any one of you could probably go to her with any issue and it wouldn't be that bad at all. She treats everything like it is the most natural thing in the world...I guess because it is!

It sounds like some of the doctors mentioned in this thread need to be reminded of that.

Stheno

mood wrote: »

I only been to a gyne once for something my GP couldn't deal with. Is it normal to go to a gyne for smear instead of GP/practice nurse? I assumed you would only see one for a specific problem or pregnancy.

I go to mine for such things as I like her, have been with her for years, trust her, she takes care of health like with dexa scans, and if I need a repeat scrip for painkillers etc, she knows I'm not ripping the piss as I see her far more than my GP

As well, as I see her every three months, she's a good grasp on my overall health, and will check how I'm doing, she's prompted me once or twice to mind myself more. I like that she is a specialist, I once went in having had weird pains, and foc she did an ultrasound of my stomach/general area to check it out as it was very specific and followed it up.

My GP couldn't/wouldn't do either. MY gynae runs a womens health clinic outside of her regular practice which is where I see her. Last time I was there I was on crutches, she asked why, got the history of the injury and ongoing treatment, and took notes, I reckon if I wanted a full medical history of the last five years she's got better then my GP that I've seen five times in the past three years. She also gives me advice if I ask her, and I can talk to her, I can talk to my GP, but as I've seen my gynae longer, and it's less rushed, we chat away about all sorts. She's the sort of person I would like as a friend.

Itwasntme. wrote: »

I hate going to the gynae. Maybe it's because I come from a country where the men are archaic and are allowed to get away with so much but every single gynae I've been to apart from one has perved on me. One asked for my phone number after and stalked me for quite a while (he was a brother to one of my friends); the other, with his fingers still inside me, said, "your muscles are tight (of course they are- I am tense because you are creepy!), your husband must be a happy man." I didn't respond so he continued, "do you have a husband because if you don't, I could make you very happy." :mad::mad:

I haven't been to one in Dublin and I think there might be only two female gynaes back home so now unless I absolutely can't get out it, I won't go to the gynae .

Itwasntme. wrote: »

This didn't happen in Ireland and no, I didn't report these men because it wouldn't have been seen as a big deal. I live in Dublin and I haven't had reason to go to a GP since I've been here. I probably should.

PS: I meant two female gynaes where I am from. I didn't mean in Ireland or Dublin in particular.

Find a better gynae, I love mine, I don't think I'll ever move, even though seeing her means I've to get up at what to me is an unreasonable hour on a Saturday every 12 weeks. I leave her clinic feeling good, that my health is good, and I trust her, she is patient, kind and loves building up a relationship with her patients.

Itwasntme.

Stheno wrote: »

I go to mine for such things as I like her, have been with her for years, trust her, she takes care of health like with dexa scans, and if I need a repeat scrip for painkillers etc, she knows I'm not ripping the piss as I see her far more than my GP

As well, as I see her every three months, she's a good grasp on my overall health, and will check how I'm doing, she's prompted me once or twice to mind myself more. I like that she is a specialist, I once went in having had weird pains, and foc she did an ultrasound of my stomach/general area to check it out as it was very specific and followed it up.

My GP couldn't/wouldn't do either. MY gynae runs a womens health clinic outside of her regular practice which is where I see her. Last time I was there I was on crutches, she asked why, got the history of the injury and ongoing treatment, and took notes, I reckon if I wanted a full medical history of the last five years she's got better then my GP that I've seen five times in the past three years. She also gives me advice if I ask her, and I can talk to her, I can talk to my GP, but as I've seen my gynae longer, and it's less rushed, we chat away about all sorts. She's the sort of person I would like as a friend.





Find a better gynae, I love mine, I don't think I'll ever move, even though seeing her means I've to get up at what to me is an unreasonable hour on a Saturday every 12 weeks. I leave her clinic feeling good, that my health is good, and I trust her, she is patient, kind and loves building up a relationship with her patients.

Any chance she would take me on? Can I PM you for details? Thanks.

mood

I thought you need a referral from a GP to see a gynae.

Isolt

mood wrote: »

I thought you need a referral from a GP to see a gynae.

Not at all! I go to the Women's Health Clinic in Dun Laoghaire, I just rang up one day and they fit me in. The doc there has helped me with different issues, not just female ones. She is 100% better than my GP is. She listens more, she sends bloods away if she needs answers (took my GP three visits to do his), she's easy to talk to and I never feel like she's rushed or fed up like my GP is.