Thanks for the advice. I will do both of those things.
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...
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.
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.