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29 and Haven't been to an OBGYN for 12 Years

This may seem like a stupid thing -- but I have a HUGE fear of going to a doctor.  I am 29 years old; and I haven't been to a doctor since I was 17.  After moving away for college I never took the initiative to find a doctor; and I feel like it's been so long that I have developed this deep fear.  My husband and I have been trying to have a child for 9 months -- following ever trick in the book -- but with no luck.  I am so fearful that something is wrong with me; and my fear of going has caused possibly something permanent to happen.  I've had a sharp pain in my pelvic area for over 1 year now and I am getting very scared.  I'm unsure which fear is greater.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your story.  I have the same problem as you.  While I'm not trying to get pregnant, I am 29 and haven't been to the doctor in over 10 years.  It's been so long that I've also developed a huge.  I finally took the intiative a couple of weeks ago to find a doctor that's accepting new patients but I've been too scared to actually make the call.  I'm glad I'm not alone in this fear.  I hope you were able to get over your fear... I am going to make the call today!  Thank you!!
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I am a 54 year old mother of 4 children. My youngest child is 17. I have not been to an ob/gyn since my youngest child was born. I too have a huge fear of doctors. But I am so tired of the way the fear cripples me. I am going to the doctor on March 12th. I will be fine. It is the only way to break this grip of fear.
Good for you, Bridget -- it's perfectly OK to tell the nurse that you are frightened of doctors, they won't take it wrong or laugh at you or anything, and you'll get a lot of careful care and they might even take a little time over the explanations of what they are doing that they wouldn't do for someone they see often.  Secret trick -- stick a party blower in your pocket (the kind that is curled up and straightens out when you blow on it) and if you get nervous, pull it out and blow on it. It will make you laugh and that will lighten the fear. It will surprise the doctor too, but if you tell him or her that's what it's for, he or she will probably laugh, too. :)
Also, I see above that some of the people talking about this issue aren't afraid of doctors per se, they are just afraid that with the long passage of time, something in their health might have changed and therefore the results the doctor gets (their medical news) would not be good. My little sister didn't go to the doctor for a long time, not because of fear of doctors but because she had no money. When she finally did go, there was nothing wrong with her. The amusing part was that she was annoyed to spend the money to finally see a doc and then "It was all for nothing!" :)
Love it!  Facing fear is the best way to overcome it.  Let us know how it goes .  .  . we are cheering you on my friend!
693413 tn?1233732272
You should go get an exam!!  It doesnt sound like anything is wrong with you that is serious.  It is very important if you want to get pregnant!  Besides, if you get pregnant, then you will have to go!  you'll be ok.  Do it for yourself and for peace of mind.  you owa that to yourself to be healthy.
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