Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Anxiety after seeing a gynecologist

I'm 21 and recently saw the gynecologist for the first time. I was so stressed leading up to that appointment. During the appointment I was so anxious and uncomfortable. The doctor kept talking to me and explaining what she was doing the whole time but I was still freaking out. I was so tense which only made the exam more uncomfortable. There were times when it would hurt a little so I would kind of move which made it take a little longer than it should have. The doctor could tell when I was feeling really uncomfortable and would ask if I was okay, I just kept saying yes even though I really just wanted to cry because I just wanted her to be done. I figured after the appointment the anxiousness would go away. But, ever since that appointment (6 days ago) I have had bad anxiety symptoms. I keep getting tightness in my chest and a lump in my throat feeling. I still feel like I'm somewhat tense down there and occasionally get the feeling that I need to keep my legs tight together. I don't know why I'm still feeling stressed about this. I do have generalized anxiety disorder so that's probably contributing to this. Is it normal to be stressed after seeing the gynecologist? I just don't know how to calm down about this.
Best Answer
Avatar universal
Honey:

I'm old enough to be your mother, and have been to the gynecologist for decades, and it STILL makes me uncomfortable.  NO ONE likes a gyno exam.  They're unpleasant, and uncomfortable, but you did a good thing by going.

I'm assuming you had a pap smear and pelvic exam.     Very very important; please don't let this experience prevent you from having future exams.

I'm curious:  do you have a history of sexual abuse?  Could the exam have triggered bad memories?

If these feelings don't calm down, I would strongly suggest you see a therapist.  No big deal; you don't have to go to a psychiatrist, just a plain old therapist (I would recommend a WOMAN) and talk about what happened.

You might also try talking about what happened and how you're feeling with a few close friends..(girlfriends)  Maybe they can relate.

Good luck sweetie.  You'll be okay.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thanks for the advice. I will do both of those things.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, you ABSOLUTELY should talk to your therapist about this.  

As far as next years exam goes, you should start practicing relaxation techniques daily that you can then use to help you get relaxed before your yearly gyn visit.

It gets easier as we get older honey...I promise...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your response. I know it's not something that people enjoy doing, but I do also understand that it's very important to do whether I want to or not. I'm worried about it causing this level of anxiety in the future too though because even though it's a year away, I'm already terrified to have to go through that again :/

I've calmed down about it a bit now, but it still makes me feel stressed when it comes to my mind.

To answer your question, no I don't have a history of sexual abuse. I don't know why I'm reacting so much too it. I'm a very private person and I think in a way I just feel like I was very invaded and that just freaks me out. I do see a therapist every couple of week for my anxiety issues. I haven't seen her since my appointment though. I'll be seeing her in a couple days. I want to talk to her about this, but I'm embarrassed about it. But I think I probably should.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the General Health Community

Top General Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
19694731 tn?1482849837
AL
80052 tn?1550343332
way off the beaten track!, BC
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.