Ob/gyn words to help settle nerves

I attempted to search on this site for this question and apologize if it's been asked, but what does your ob/gyn say to you to have you relax so he/she can complete the exam? My doctor always tells me to push my bottom to the floor which relaxes the pelvic muscles.

Yeah, one time my doctor told me to imagine my bottom melting into the table. It was pretty helpful.

I'll tell you what NOBODY EVER says to me more than once--because I will chastise them, and as a nurse to someone who should know better:

NEVER EVER call me "dear", "honey', "sugar" or ANYTHING except my name.

You forgot my favorite Sue, which is "sweetheart". The only one I call that and who is allowed to call me that without finding my knuckles chasing their teeth down their throat is Doc, lol.

Mashie

Yes, I forgot that one.

I agree with the knuckle sandwich as retribution for the offense.

Sue, I knew of all people you would understand baby. Lol 😈

Mashie

Generally, she is very good about just engaging in typical conversation and gives me a chance to unwind before all the exposure and then sure penetration. Then she just gives some directions and before long the ordeal is over. For me, it's letting go and allowing it to all take place.

I find "just relax" to do the exact opposite. Working in the maternity field, I often hear:

Let your knees fall out/down

Release the tension in your pelvis

Let your pelvis open up

Let your abdoment sink into the bed

Drop your shoulders (usually as a diversion from the area that is really tense)

My doc is really very good at maintaining an ongoing dialogue about almost anything other than what procedure she is doing. She knows that my daughter is married and I have a grandchild so often the discussion is around those family events. I've had lets of pelvic exams over the years so she knows that I know what to expect so doesn't feel that she needs to do much explaining at all. She knows that I like raising flowers and might engage me in what to do to prevent Japanese beetles. Then before I know it, she's done and I'm told that I can get up and get dressed. I am just as happy not being told that "you will feel some pressure", "this will feel like a little pinch" or whatever.

I attempted to search on this site for this question and apologize if it's been asked, but what does your ob/gyn say to you to have you relax so he/she can complete the exam? My doctor always tells me to push my bottom to the floor which relaxes the pelvic muscles.

Yeah, one time my doctor told me to imagine my bottom melting into the table. It was pretty helpful.

I don't recall any specific words that actually helped settle my nerves. I just took everything as instructional. I've always tried not to tense up. I may have been told that during my first exam but I don't remember.

I just remember the doctor being kind and gentle. I'm surprised I was able to relax and not tense up with my aunt standing behind him watching.

I’m not sure about settling nerves but I’ve heard my partners ob/gyn in real exams say:

“you’ll feel pressure now” (as he inserted fingers for bimanual exam)

”take the speculum“

We have a colleague who says to his patient "say hello to the doctor" when he performs a vaginal examination and wants the person to try to tighten her vagina on his fingers in order to assess the tone of the sphincters.

It is a very useful test for diagnosing the risk of urinary loss.

I honestly just zone out for the most part with the speculum.

I honestly just zone out for the most part with the speculum.

I think that's why I can't remember most of my exams. Now I wish I could remember more details, especially about the breast exams.

I also try to zone out.

My doctors ask about hiking and places I have traveled while they are in there! I appreciate that!

I also really like, “You are doing so well, just breathe and relax!"

My doctors ask about hiking and places I have traveled while they are in there! I appreciate that!

I hope they don't ask about cave exploration. That would be totally inappropriate. 😜

We have a colleague who says to his patient "say hello to the doctor" when he performs a vaginal examination and wants the person to try to tighten her vagina on his fingers in order to assess the tone of the sphincters.

It is a very useful test for diagnosing the risk of urinary loss.

@Franklin58200,

Truly funny, resourceful, unique, creative and interesting!

I hope they don't ask about cave exploration. That would be totally inappropriate. 😜

Outstanding! 😜 spelunkers!

Doctor told me to deep breath. You are too tensed, she said. Relax

A wonderful nurse many years ago taught me deep breathing exercises and visioning to help me relax during medical procedures. (I hate needles, she was about to give me a shot.) The breathing and visioning of a favorite place usually work for me, although it also helps to have a doctor who is positive and reassuring. Another of her tips: xanax works, too. I loved that nurse!!