I'm afraid of getting a pelvic exam?

i never really got an actual full pelvic exam, but whenever i go in for a physical (spine, weight, blood pressure, that kind of stuff)

they always to a pelvic "check".

i keep my underwear on, but my doctor just kinda feels right where the underwear ends.

it only takes like, half a minute.

You shouldn't worry about it. All women need to get a pelvic exam done at some point. It's for your health and it isn't that bad. You can learn more about it online.

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pelvicinfo.html

JoJo -

Be sure you get a female doctor, as they tend to be gentle. Male doctors (besides being pervs, imo, can be so rough you just want to smack 'em!).

When you call to make your appointment, tell the nurse your fears and ask if they have a doctor who has worked with others who've been afraid of pelvic exams. If not, look around.

In the worst case, ask the nurse who sets up your appt if you can come in some time or perhaps early for your appt the doctor or a nurse can explain it all to you, showing you everything.

Have a trusted female friend go with you and wait in the waiting room for you. Make plans to go for ice cream or window shopping afterwards, if you can, and remind yourself of that before you go in for the exam.

When it's happening, the best thing you can do for yourself is to put your focus on what is going on - this is the best way to get over your fear. I used to be afraid of having blood drawn. I'd get shaky and weak and nearly faint. One day, I decided to get over my fear, so I breathed deeply and slowly and watched as the needle went in, and never took my eyes off until the whole thing was over.

It's something you just need to do, like how some people don't like going to the dentist. But it is very important to maintain your sexual health so you should ge yearly pelvic exams. They don't take that long.

There's really not too much to worry about. You will be nude under the gown and you will have to expose your breasts and vaginal area. But it's clinical nudity. The doctor is examining your body, not looking at you in a sexual way. And there's a nurse in the room too.

ask your mom, friends, or other women you know who their dr is and if they like him/her. go to someone you feel comfortable with and let them know it's your first pelvic exam. they'll tell you exactly what is going to happen and explain everything to you. it doesn't hurt and it'll be over before you know it!

To overcome your fear, you have to go and get one.

Let them know how you feel before they examine you and they will try to comfort you. It's something we have to do and most of us would rather not.