Pelvic exam

During few of my pelvic exams, the doctor inserted his fingers in my rectum instead of vagina. I jumped up and kind of screamed. He said he was sorry and wasn't looking. The thing happened again twice with other physicians. Does any one else had a similar experience?

A recto-vaginal exam is a normal part of any pelvic exam. One finger in the vagina, one in the rectum.

That's right--index finger goes in the vagina and middle finger in the rectum during the rectovaginal exam. Separate rectal exams are common too--in that case it's the index finger in the rectum.

I do agree that a vaginal recto exam is normal. But the doctor I have now only does a vaginal exam.

Wife has the works done breast, vaginal, and recto exam every time she visits her gyno.

Me too every time I get a pelvic exam I get the rectal also.

Wife had male doctors for years and they all did a vaginal and then the rectal. The female doctor she has now just does the vaginal and has never done a rectal.

Maybe it's an age thing. At my most recent pelvic exam, the doctor didn't do a recto vaginal exam either. How about that? As we ladies get older we are less likely to get a finger in the bottom and as you gents get older, you're more likely to! Somehow, that just seems fair to me.

Most of the gyn exams I've had finished with a single finger rectal exam, followed by the recto-vaginal (my absolute least favorite part of the exam).

Steffy

Hmm, the different experiences are interesting. I had an annual Gyn exam last week and my female MD ended the exam with a vaginal and rectal exam.

Lady Teddy in Oregon, USA

My wife has never had a rectal or recto-vaginal exam during her appointments.

Must depend on the doctor and how he/she practices.

Do any doctors take rectal temperatures during a gyno visit, or if you want it that way, do you have to ask for it?

My wife has never had a rectal or recto-vaginal exam during her appointments. Must depend on the doctor and how he/she practices. Do any doctors take rectal temperatures during a gyno visit, or if you want it that way, do you have to ask for it?

It varies from patient/examiner.

Some doctors do as part of SOP, some do it as a patient option, some try not to do it.

I've always had a recto-vaginal exam as well as a rectal exam done as part of my gyno visit.

My gf is 29 and gets the rectal exam too.

Yes, it's very embarrassing and never like my fantasies unfortunately!

All of my rectal and rectovaginal exams have been intentional. I was shocked the first time at age 18. I assumed the doctor thought that I knew I was going to receive one. After the first time, I expected it at future exams.

I think if I was a female and the doctor put his finger in the wrong hole at the wrong time I would be shocked. There is a big difference when your finger goes into the rectum and when it goes into a vagina. Maybe time to go to a different doctor? You do have patient's rights. Ask the doctor before he starts to examine you do you do a recto-vaginal exam? Or do you do a rectal exam? and why? What is the reason for it? Is age a factor? Or you have any problems ? Vaginal and or rectal? Bowel issues? Constipation? Diarrhea? Pain, bleeding, intercourse discomfort vaginally? Do not let a fetish get in the way of your health. Be as informed as you can. It is your body and your choice of what exams you have and why. SPEAK UP!!!!!!!!!

I have had only one exam. Doctor gave me a rectovaginal too.

I was shocked too

I had gone for missed period. Should have been a simple vaginal exam. At the end of the exam I was wondering too why doctor even checked my bottom.

The original post states he mistakenly inserted into her rectum instead of her vagina because he was not looking. If so, it was an error on the part of the doctor. Granted that the doctor also would have probably given her a recto vaginal exam as well. The only time I have ever heard of this happening is one the doctor was having a difficult time inserting his finger into the vagina and then instead did a rectal exam to do his examination as best that he could.

Instead of complaining, crucifying and vilifying a physician for performing or not performing a rectal vaginal and rectal exam, how about doing your research to understand why they should be done, why they are done and the advantages of doing them?!?! Simple communication, ask the Dr, have a conversation with them.