Females only: Tips for First Rectal/ Rectovaginal

Hi all

I have period pain with heavy period and swollen ovaries (found in trans vaginal ultrasound)

My gyn gave some pain medication but the pain hasn't come down. Infact my thighs and my bottom have started paining too.

I came to know that Dr says she may have to perform a rectal or a rectovaginal exam if things don't improve.

I am very scared. Generally I would asked about tips to deal with it to my mom. But I don't feel comfortable this time. I have never been examined there nor have I inserted anything there.

Those who know me or have read my profile know this fact very well.

Ladies please let me know

How painful is the rectal/ rectovaginal exam? (Note that I am on a heavy period going through bad cramps)

How do you deal with the pain during the exam (Apart from deep breathing)

Any inputs would help as I may need to get it done in a day or two if my heath doesn't improve.

I am really scared

Ladies please let me know

How painful is the rectal/ rectovaginal exam? (Note that I am on a heavy period going through bad cramps)

How do you deal with the pain during the exam (Apart from deep breathing)

Any inputs would help as I may need to get it done in a day or two if my heath doesn't improve.

I am really scared

The exam is NOT painful. Just relax.

Remember that what you defecate is much bigger than a finger.

People who tell you how painful it is are nothing more than drama queens---don't listen to them. People love telling stories about how painful something is--they think that makes them look like they are some sort of survivor. Those people get no sympathy from me. They just want to be the center of attention.

Reality is it will not hurt and it will last a matter of minutes at the most.

Tell them you are nervous, do not build it up so much in your mind.

Thanks for your replies

The problem is my mind is not able to accept that something will be inserted inside my bottom. Because this would be forced from outside (even though it will be a gelled finger) but the thought of pain makes me cringe

But apart from not thinking or deep breathing is there really no other way?

Because for me not thinking about a rectal exam is almost impossible. Honestly.

@prettypatientpp said

The problem is my mind is not able to accept that something will be inserted inside my bottom. Because this would be forced from outside (even though it will be a gelled finger) but the thought of pain makes me cringe

I guess then you're screwed.

You have to think positive about the situation.

They are not bad at all. Just relax and it's over in no time. I would just tell them your very scared about it they will go nice and easy. I had some many done.

Lube up a finger and insert your own finger that way you can be relaxed at home.

Good point Karon

Relax on your own and lube a finger and gently slide it in to you.

Good luck enjoy. Xxx

Thanks for the advice

I have an appointment tomorrow

Extremely scared

I can’t comment on the apparent pain you feel related to your period since that has not been my experience at all with only minor cramping for maybe one day of my period. What I can tell you is that having a rectal exam is easy and necessary in that it just could help a doctor detect something that is likely treatable if caught early. Avoiding a rectal exam with this sort of drama is perhaps inviting some REAL DRAMA of things like extended or ineffective cancer treatments etc.

RELAX

It will be fine

As Susie says., RELAX! The doctor at the Clevland Clinic had me laughing so hard that he probably could have inserted a fire hose. He knew I was a golfer so he said. "Imagine if you will. You are on the first tee at Augusta National." When he inserted his finger, I tightened up a little. Then he said, "As soon as I feel your tonsils, I will quit." I started laughing then he added. "Of course, if you don't have your tonsils, I might be looking for a long time." Before I could reply, he was done. A rectal exam really isn't a big deal! RELAX!

Relax. Your doctor may tell you to push like you are trying to have a bowel movement. That does help and that is what my doctor told me to do the first time it was done to me. When my doctor told me to do that her finger slid right in. Then she turned her fingers some and I kept pushing. It didn't really hurt. It was more like I had just had a bowel movement.

Hello All

Thanks alot for your replies.

I had my exam done yesterday

To update you all genuinely, I have written about it in stories

I didn't want to spoil this thread which maybe informative for others too