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Sexual Abuse and Gynecology
I am a 35 year old virgin who was sexually abused (not raped) as a child. About 2 years ago I had (my first) pelvic exam followed by a vaginal ultrasound due to heavy period and cramps. Nothing was found so I was put on a 6 month course of progestrone. Things got better so I never went back. I should say that when I was 14 I had an appendectomy and they found my appendix was fine but an ovarian cyst had ruptured and was bleeding profusely.
That being said, I am having pain and heavy bleeding again but I can not make myself go back to the GYN. After my first (and last) visit to the GYN I had severe flashbacks and nightmares of the sexual abuse I suffered. There is no way I can have an exam again. Are there any other options to figuring out the problem besides those exams?
Thank you
That being said, I am having pain and heavy bleeding again but I can not make myself go back to the GYN. After my first (and last) visit to the GYN I had severe flashbacks and nightmares of the sexual abuse I suffered. There is no way I can have an exam again. Are there any other options to figuring out the problem besides those exams?
Thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
I hope you discussed your past history with your gynecologist, and I also hope that your gynecologist listened carefully and sympathetically. If you were my patient, I would strongly consider re-starting the progesterone therapy. Because you have not had intercourse, I would not feel strongly about putting you through another exam. If you could tolerate a trans ABDOMINAL ultrasound, I might consider doing that and leaving it at that. I would also want to refer you to a good therapist with a specialty in PTSD. Some wonderful progress has been made in treatment of PTSD which it seems likely that you are suffering from.
If your gynecologist insists on another exam, insist on another gynecologist!
Good luck!
Dr B
I hope you discussed your past history with your gynecologist, and I also hope that your gynecologist listened carefully and sympathetically. If you were my patient, I would strongly consider re-starting the progesterone therapy. Because you have not had intercourse, I would not feel strongly about putting you through another exam. If you could tolerate a trans ABDOMINAL ultrasound, I might consider doing that and leaving it at that. I would also want to refer you to a good therapist with a specialty in PTSD. Some wonderful progress has been made in treatment of PTSD which it seems likely that you are suffering from.
If your gynecologist insists on another exam, insist on another gynecologist!
Good luck!
Dr B
Update:
The next day I lost a couple of very large blood clots and the pain went away. I am still wondering about alternatives.
The next day I lost a couple of very large blood clots and the pain went away. I am still wondering about alternatives.
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