Do Pelvic Exams Spark Panic and Anxiety?

Yes they are extremely anxiety-producing for me as well, even when I tell them ahead of time. My psychiatrist rx’d me klonopin to use as needed for situations that trigger me, I also try to focus on my breathing so I don’t hyperventilate. And I cut myself a lot of slack during and after if I do get triggered.

Yes! Definitely talk with your doctor about it, there are ways they can help. If they aren't willing, I'd start looking for a new doctor who is more trauma conscious. I'd also talk with your therapist or counselor about it if you have one. If not, there's a lot of people on social media that give advice on how to make exams easier for yourself. Pelvic floor physical therapists especially tend to put out content about that.

Yes! I was literally in this situation last week and my mood is, unfortunately, still destabilized.

Yes! I was 23 when I got my first pelvic exam and she couldn’t even finish it because I wouldn’t let her go any further. I told her ahead of time I am a victim of sexual abuse and to go nice and easy and slow and she did but I just couldn’t continue anymore and that was 2 years ago and I haven’t been back since

I can relate….I had skin cancer surgery on my breast and during a follow up visit to remove a few stitches, the pain and tenderness of the area coupled with prior sexual trauma just flooded over me and I had a very embarrassing and seemingly inappropriate response/panic attack in that moment. Judging by the eye roll from the nurse, who I’m sure thought I wouldn’t see, I must have seemed dramatic and ridiculous. PTSD is real and sometimes uncontrollable and unpredictable. I wish healthcare professionals would have more compassion and remember we all have a story no one knows about.

I would recommend telling the doctor or your GP that this happens. There are ways they can make it less stressful depending on the clinic