Teen daughters 1st pelvic exam...

emily_mom · Apr 1, 2003

Quote
Originally posted by RN2B2005
My first pelvic was at a Planned Parenthood, when I was 16 (and still a virgin). They were great. Inexpensive, and before I even went into the exam room, they had a counsellor speak to me about how a vag exam worked, how to lie in the stirrups, etc. Some things--like bending your knees--are counterintuitive, and it helped to have things explained before I was naked.

The NP who examined me was fabulous, kind and, more importantly, very fast.

Jennifer

Same here!

I have to go today. Ish. What kind of sick April Fool's thing is that? But, I should find out when the babe's due, so I guess I'll survive with the squishy feeling all day....:imbar

tattooednursie, LVN · Apr 1, 2003

I hope it goes okay for your daughter.

I know, 9 is awfully young. It was horrifying. I had something wrong down there, but I cannot remember what the problem was called. It was like vaginitis or something like that. I was hurting really bad, and thats why it had to be done.

But I havn't had to have one since!

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2003

Mandi... from your previous posts, it sounds like you have the lifestyle that requires a yearly pelvic exam and pap.

I don't remember all the details, but if I recall, the criteria for yearly gyn exams include age 18 or over, sexually active, or any "female" problems.

tattooednursie, LVN · Apr 1, 2003

lol, what kind of life style do you mean?

I'm not very active, I just lay there. J/K

:)

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2003

lol, no disrespect intended... I just got the impression from some of the things that you said that well, you know.

Anyway, if so, get your yearlies! It's important!

tattooednursie, LVN · Apr 1, 2003

Ohhhh! okay, I get it now:) I think I probably should get my yearly's done then. *blushes*

mark_LD_RN · Apr 2, 2003

itsme the main thing is explain it to her well,try to help her relax and besure the doc is good with younger patients. my oldest went to a female ob gyn because wifes usually doc was out. well she had a horrible exam, second one by the NP was no better. they did not comfort her were not gentle and worst of all took no account of her being a virgin at the time, needless to say what the outcome of that was:(. she now refuses to go back for anymore exams. I have almost been able to talk her it to seeing one of our midwives. but no luck yet.

FLYNURSE- yes some docs do not have a female in with them for exams I know a few that don't unless the patient requests it. it is mainly for the old liability thing:) I personally do not have a female in with me when i examine a patient unless they request it. and by the way you have every right to request a female be present if it makes you more comfortable.

Passin' Gas · Apr 2, 2003

Ok, so annual pelvic exams are not the highlight of the day. However, they are not THAT traumatic of an experience if discussed ahead of time with young women and dealt with compassion and warmth (especially the speculum!). A little TLC and knowledge goes a long way.

From the surgery side, as a CRNA, I see WAY too many young women (early 20's) coming in for diseases that could have been picked up sooner had they had regular screening. And as a consequence are dealing with more invasive alternatives for treatment. The results frequently lead to loss of ability to bear a child on their own.

Maybe I'm "too surgical" or the outstanding nurse practitioner who I have been going to for years does such a wonderful job that I do not dread the "annual visit". It's a fact of life for a responsible female to take care of herself. Period. (no pun intended).

Even a celibate nun (pun intended here) should have regularly recommended pelvic exams. I'm in an age range where annual exams are recommended even with negative results. I understand that for younger women it has been adjusted. Whatever the recommendations are they needed to be followed.

Last point: a woman is entitled to a chaperone at any time no matter the gender of the examiner. Sexual harrassment is not always XX-XY.

mark_LD_RN · Apr 2, 2003

Quote
Originally posted by Passin' Gas

Last point: a woman is entitled to a chaperone at any time no matter the gender of the examiner. Sexual harrassment is not always XX-XY.

excellent point i usually mention that part but forgot.thanks for bringing it up:)

oh by the way the only person i know of that had be accused of being inappropriate with a patient was a female L&D nurse i worked with a few yrs ago. she got fired for her transgression:

i can completely understand why a person may want a chaperone present, and i take no offense to a patient asking for one. I also ask the patient who she wants in to me i don't care if its just me and her or if she has a room full it's her choice:) I just dont go for the people who want to take my picture doing it:)

OBNURSEHEATHER · Apr 2, 2003

Quote
Originally posted by mark_LD_RN
I just dont go for the people who want to take my picture doing it:)

Oy... there's one of those in every group, isn't there.

tattooednursie, LVN · Apr 2, 2003

Itsme,

When she has it done, let us know how she did ok. I understand her pain. I am almost 18 and still pertified of them, and I'm sure there are people in their 50's who are still petrified of them.

I hope she gets through it. I'm sure this one will break the ice a little bit. I know that very few women, if any really enjoy that.

NurseRachy · Apr 2, 2003

I just had a thought that maybe mother and daughter could go out for lunch and or a movie afterwards- you know- sweeten an unpleasant experience. I think i would really appreciate that.

Just a thought... Rachel