Chronic BV, Can't insert suppositories, Terrified of Pelvic Exam.
Posted , 3 users are following.
So I have a few major issues here:
1. I'm 21, and to this day cannot insert a tampon. I've tried different angles, different tampons, lube, using a mirror, nothing works. I cannot even fully insert the applicator.
2. I have had chronic BV for a few years now. I've heard that antibiotics and antifungals have a low success rate and that the infection usually comes back. So recently, I ordered Boric Acid suppositories and decided to try it for 2 weeks. Well, turns out, I cannot even insert the capsule, which is even smaller than a tampon. This is ridiculous. I can move half of the capsule in, but I can still see part of it hanging out, so I know its not even close to where it should be. I shrugged off the tampon issue thinking maybe tampons just aren't for me, and went on the pill so I only have to deal with my period a few times a year.
But now that I realize I can't even insert a capsule, I have a feeling it may be my hymen.
I've never been sexually active, and I am terrified of seeing a gynecologist. Like hyperventilating, bawling kind of scared. I don't know why. I do have an anxiety disorder which I am already on Xanax for, but its not effective enough anymore to get me through a pelvic exam, which is something I feel I have to have at this point. I am not embarrassed of doctors seeing me, I am just terrified of the speculum.
This is humiliating to me, and has become an emotional wound for me as well. Basically I'm wondering if a doctor can just give me an external exam and see if my hymen is in the way without getting a typical pelvic exam. Not only am I tired of living with this infection, I am genuinely concerned if I can even have sex or not.
What do I do?
0 likes, 3 replies
laura_51322 Guest
Posted
I had to reply because I was like that as well about the Gyno. I am 25 and Just started getting use to exams about 3 years or so ago. It seems a lot more scary because you have anxiety and probably get yourself all worked up. I also suffer from anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder. Over thinking is the worst thing and just being so nervous to do things like see the Gyno.. some gynos can use a plastic speculum instead of metal (the cold cold tends to scare women like us more) for some reason.. anyway the only think I can suggest is just forcing yourself through it, maybe take a Xanax an hour before your appt. to relax yourself a little. Let your doctor know of how you are anxious and scared so he or she is extra careful. If you suspect BV or any other issue it has to be tested. I know it seems scary but most of it is just you getting all worked up. It is not painful, the swabs they use you cannot feel. Trust me, just give it a try. After a few times it will get easier and easier. Good Luck, I’m praying for you.
reb94020 Guest
Posted
Hi, I was so nervous to get my first one as well and I promise you it was not anywhere near as scary as I made it out to be in my mind. It doesn't hurt, it is quick, and if you tell your doctor you're nervous they will put you at ease. You can also make a separate appointment to talk to your doctor about Xanax or Ativan which will make you much more relaxed. I think just being open and honest with your doctor is really important. Tell your doctor your concerns and they may have advice to make the exam a more pleasant experience for you.
Guest reb94020
Posted
But the thing is I cannot insert anything half of the size of the speculum they'll be using, so I think it will definitely be painful, if they can even insert it at all.
I did find a womens health clinic that provides nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for use during pap smears, so hopefully that will help, because I am already on a high dose of xanax everyday, so it hardly does anything anymore. The only problem is my insurance doesn't cover this place, so I'll probably have to pay $200+ which sucks, but I think its all I can do at this point.