4/14/2024 0 Comments Signs of sexual assault trauma![]() ![]() ![]() If you would feel more comfortable keeping your socks or a skirt on during your exam, feel free to tell your provider that. ![]() Make sure to ask questions and voice any concerns with your provider. They can help you to ask questions and act as emotional support. Write down any questions you have for your doctor and make sure to ask them before the visit. Write down a list of all the things you expect to happen during your exam and write an action plan for what you plan to do.įor example, if you’ll have a pap smear that day, think about breathing or visualization exercises you could do if you were to be triggered. The following are strategies to implement before, during, and after the exam: Before the exam Avoid caffeineīe sure to avoid caffeine and any other stimulants the day of the exam that may increase anxiety. The final step of a gynecological checkup may include a urine test where physicians request a urine sample in order to check kidney health, for signs of pregnancy, and for various infections. Bimanual exam: After the pap test is the bimanual exam which involves the physician inserting a gloved finger into the vagina while pressing down on the low pelvis with their other hand to check the size of your ovaries and uterus and check for painful areas.Pap test follows the speculum exam (with the speculum still inserted in the vagina) and involves the physician taking a sample of cervical cells to screen for cancerous and precancerous cells in the cervix. The speculum exam involves a physician inserting a speculum into your vagina to separate the walls of the vagina to allow the physician to examine your cervix for atypical discharge, lesions, or STDs. The external genital exam involves a physician visually examining your vulva and labia for abnormalities and STDs. ![]() The pelvic exam consists of four main exams: The breast exam is done to check the breast for lumps, skin changes, and nipple discharge, as well as check nearby lymph nodes. What to expect during a gynecological exam:īreast exam. While the thought of undergoing a gynecological exam might be uncomfortable, there are a number of ways to prepare yourself. Red FlagA doctor who dismisses or doubts your If you’re specifically going for a gynecological exam, you can also ask for less invasive versions of common gynecological procedures.įor example, during the speculum test, you’re welcome to ask for a pediatric speculum if the adult size one feels too uncomfortable for you. What will happen both before and during the exam.ĭown and be patient with your exam and extend the exam if necessary.Ītmosphere of the clinic is unwelcoming or you simply feel as though you cannotįinish your exam, you can end the checkup whenever you want. You trust in the room with you at all times. The gender of your provider if you’re going to a general medical clinic or the Understand your rights You have the right to: “This can be verbal or written communication - whatever makes the patient feel most safe and comfortable,” she adds. “An individual should communicate their sexual trauma with their physician when they are ready,” explains Dr. It’s your choice to communicate to your healthcare provider about your experience with sexual violence, whatever details you deem are necessary, before, during, and after appointments. You can find a list of national rape crisis centers, who can act as a resource for referrals, here. Moreover, there are a number of organizations that cater to helping people who have experienced sexual assault and have healthcare providers or researchers on their board. This is an issue with modern healthcare that needs imminent attention.Ĭurrently, the best way to find a trauma-informed care provider is by word-of-mouth referrals. While most physicians have received some form of training related to screening for sexual violence, the extent to which the physicians are knowledgeable and accommodating is wildly variable. This is a healthcare provider who understands the impact of trauma and considers how this shapes all aspects of life for their patients in the short term and long term. There is, unfortunately, no standardized way to find a trauma-informed care physician.
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