afraid

[givenwings]

I was sexually abused when I was a child. I’m now a young adult and need to see an Obgyn but too afraid it will be a trigger. Are there Obgyn who specialize or are sensitive to victims of abuse?

 

[goldenviolet]

yes. all you need to do is exsplain you have some abuse in your past, and are nervous. this will open communication that you need to help you and doctor best approach your needs. bless your heart. xo it's ok. it's a common situation, and you'll be very relieved to have asked for help with getting prepared and comfy first. xo dee

 

[nowhereville]

All I can really tell you is this is a really personal thing and whatever works for you is what works for you.

I am going to explain this as delicately as I can, just because I think it's important. Most people I know who are abuse victim will only go to women. I can not really go to women because of the way my body is built - it is very difficult at best to do an internal. Women tend to have smaller hands and therefore cause me GREAT physical discomfort which bothers me WAY more then the fact of whether it's a man or a woman.

That doesn't make me odd - it's whatever works for YOU - whatever makes you feel most comfortable and what not.

There is no "right" or "wrong" and if you are forth coming they will most likely be very understandting. You may want to call around to OB/GYN offices to get a feel for how their office is run and not - prequalify them if you will.

This kind of health care is important so be sure to find the "thing" that works for you.

 

[givenwings]

Thank you for your support and encouragement. I will look around and see who I feel most comfortable with. I will also explain to the doctor about my history in hopes they will be sensitive about the matter. Thanks again, God bless.

 

[VictoryNGrace]

My advice to is like another said, explaine why your scared and the dr should help you feel comofortable while being checked, like what works is telling him or her that your scared and small talk helps distract you.. My OB was great when I was preg with my son, course I was emotional and cried and she was so careful and helped me feel comfortable as best she could even tho I was shaking and still upset at least I felt better telling her I was nervous and scared.. Good luck!

VNG

 

[fivepointTULIP]

Personally, I had the best and most understanding care for "women's health issues" going to a midwife. If they are licensed CNM's they can do almost everything an OB/GYN can do unless there are abnormalities and complications, in which case they make a referral. Most likely because midwives generally take on a lot fewer patients, which means they can take a lot more time with you, to talk with you, to let you do everything at your comfort level, to talk you through everything they do and usually ask for your permission before each step, which is a little thing but really meaningful and I've found it to be seriously lacking with OB/GYN surgeons. The midwives I saw were willing to let me walk out in the middle of everything and come back later if I couldn't handle it.

I'll just say that depending on your care provider routine care can be either tremendously violating and triggering, or can actually be a healing experience.
I hope you are able to find someone you can trust, and who will respect your needs.