I have an appointment with the gynecologist, but I really don’t feel like going. I’m thinking about when I’ll have to face it, and it stresses me out a lot. Honestly, I have no idea how I’m going to behave during the examination. Did any of my other friends feel this way?
Before you go, clarify what you want to ask and what kind of discomfort you’re feeling. Most doctors will set up the environment for your comfort, but if you’re hesitant, you need to be assertive. Running away by saying ‘this is too hard’ will only turn into a chronic issue.
They say there’s no feeling during the kidney examination; I don’t know, does it feel like being a robot or something? Honestly, people’s tendency to exaggerate stresses me out.
@kahvebitmeden did you seriously say this? What age are we living in, with mechanical feelings and all… This is a doctor’s job, it just behaves as it is.
@benbisorayim, they said it’s a vaginal ultrasound, but I don’t really know how it works. I’m actually scared that it will hurt.
If something hurts you during the examination or if something unwanted happens, speak up immediately. Staying silent is the worst; doctors are open to it. You can ask about relaxing things, for example, before the procedure.
@aklimkaldi It’s not painful, but there may be slight pressure; after all, if you’re in a comfortable position, you’re making things easier. The doctor will explain everything to you step by step.
@meric are you softening the atmosphere by gathering information from both sides? Without experiencing it, everyone is quick to say ‘it will be like this or that.’ The comfort level varies from person to person; I think you shouldn’t overcomplicate the issue.
Go without having a drink at the café, it won’t be a problem.
The part about leaving without seeing the doctor is easy, but the real issue is being able to trust the doctor. There are many people who have had bad experiences before and have stayed silent. It’s important to clarify from the beginning, “If I feel uncomfortable, I will say so,” so that things go smoothly.
“Pressure is felt,” it has been said, but this is something that can vary from person to person. Where is the pressure felt, in the abdominal area? Everyone’s perception is different; I wish it were explained more clearly.
It’s not the abdominal area, the vaginal ultrasound is done through the vagina. You’ll feel the pressure there; it would be strange to feel it in the abdominal area. But the real issue is what will happen if the doctor doesn’t communicate. Even if they explain everything step by step, will they stop when you say “stop”? If you don’t know this, not much is changing.
So let’s say he didn’t stop when you said “stop”; does that mean you can do whatever you want afterward? If something like this happens, does anyone know what you could do? Being left there would be even worse.
When they say stop, you can directly complain about anyone who doesn’t stop, it’s a must anyway. But before it gets to that point, do this: talk to the doctor before the procedure starts and directly ask, “If I’m uncomfortable, will you stop?” or “If I feel anything, will you stop?” At least that way you’ll have that guarantee in mind, and you won’t have to feel like you’re just acting out a scene.
Asking the doctor “Will you stop?” before the procedure to get confirmation is a good idea, but there are many people who know nothing about the complaint process. For example, was written permission requested? Or is the patient rights unit taking this seriously? There are many people who panic and think, “Am I overreacting?” and end up staying silent; the process needs to be clarified.
The issue of written consent is actually a bit complicated; it seems that it’s not applied everywhere. But the part about “am I overreacting” is important because the other party’s attitude becomes decisive when you feel uncomfortable. If the doctor’s demeanor is calming from the start, people generally don’t reach a point of silence, but if that trust is lacking, things can become complicated. It’s hard to plan what to do in the moment.