Pap exam difficulty

[Anonymous]

I am ashamed to admit this, but I have never successfully had this exam. In my 30s, no children yet (though it is a plan for DH and I). I tried to have the exam earlier this year, but I just couldn't get through it. I somehow have an aversion/strong fear of the exam, and I know it is never pleasant or welcome for most women. This also ties into my problem, I'm sure, of penetration (probably I'm too nervous and clamp up). (Very thankfully, I have no history of being abused, so that is not a factor here.) If any women out there can relate and share advice (tips, gentle/good doctors), I'd really appreciate reading your reply. Thanks everyone.

[Anonymous]

Ask for some type of benzodiazapine: valium, xanax, ativan, etc. I have to do this for dental procedures. Once you realize it is not that scary, it will less of a thing.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP, I have heard about people getting a medication to help them relax. I'm a bit apprehensive, though, to use a drug for this ... I don't like the idea of possibly not being myself (never taken those medications before), and do wish I could learn to face the problem in a non-medicated way. If there are suggestions out there for say relaxation techniques, or a good physician (gyn/Ob/gyn) who is gentle, patient, etc, I'd welcome those, too ... Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I just posted a reply to your post on the TTC forum.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure a different doctor would help, because you're still in the same sweaty-palms environment... paper-covered table, stirrups, etc. I second the recommendation to take medication to relax, or even just a nice big glass of wine.

But if you're looking, I really love Dr. Marfori at GWU. She is great about talking through things before she ever touches you, very patient with questions, emotions, etc. It's super hard to get an appt with her, though, as she cut back to part time when she had her baby. In the same practice, Dr. Chahine is also very good, but not quite as warm as Marfori.

One thing, if you go to a teaching practice-- it's ok to ask that the students and residents stay outside. Really. It's allowed.

[Anonymous]

Hm, would you feel more comfortable in a more known environment, or would that be too weird?

My CNMs do well woman care, so I had my pap in the privacy and comfort (er, as comfortable as a pap can be) of my own home.

I think a midwife would likely also have more time and potentially be more sensitive to your fears.

[Anonymous]

Hi PPs ... 13:56, thanks for sharing your recommendation. I'm in Mont. County, but I'm open to considering other locations if say I can find a great physician for me. As I responded in a note in the other forum, I do have pronounced apprehension of going through the steps again only to be met with poor support and possible insensitivity/judgment from the practitioner. I know I shouldn't have to be babied to get through this type of routine exam, and for this reason I'm also pretty hard on myself .... It's just embarrassing and I feel ashamed to be struggling.
22:07, that's an interesting idea, thanks for suggesting. Earlier in the year, I tried to get help/be seen from a physician at CWC, but prior to that I wondered if maybe a midwife might be more personalized/sensitive in the care offered. Do you happen to know of a midwife or practice that you'd highly recommend.

Thanks again...

[Anonymous]

oops, I keep missing something ... obviously, that was a question from me .. "Do you happen to know of a midwife or practice that you'd highly recommend?" Thanks ...
(OP)

[Anonymous]

22:07 here. I used a CNM duo -- MAMAS midwives. They're both wonderful. http://www.mamasmidwives.com/M.A.M.A.S._Inc./Home.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks for mentioning, PP .... (OP)

[Anonymous]

OP here again ... Just to explore the topic further, if anyone has gone to a good midwife practice/location in Montgomery County, could you please recommend one? That would be more convenient for me that DC. Thanks ...

[Anonymous]

(sorry, than DC)

[Anonymous]

Gosh, sorry everyone (OP here), I don't know why I typed in DC (was considering another location). I'm closer to Rockville, so I was wondering if people might know of a good midwife practice further in that direction...

[Anonymous]

There's a midwife practice in Rockville - Midwifery Care Associates - but I have no experience with their well-woman care yet. (I delivered with them this year.)

[Anonymous]

Explain the situation and ask for the very smallest speculum they have!! I get the "teen" size I think - not the medical term, but I think that's how it was described : ), plus my gyno (in NoVA) is efficient.