speculum pain

[brainery.livejournal.com]

So I went to get an STD test about a month ago, and it was only the second time I've had a speculum inserted into my vagina. I don't remember it feeling too bad the first time I had it done -- maybe a little uncomfortable but nothing terrible -- but this time it hurt like hell. When I asked if it was supposed to hurt this much, the guy checking me out didn't really respond, and the woman standing by was just like, "oh, honey, you haven't had kids yet, have you? Let me tell you, this'll feel like nothing after that."

But everything I've read about this has said it shouldn't hurt. I have never had any problem with insertion during sex, so I know it's not a general problem like that.

I was very nervous when I went in, so do you guys think that might have caused my vaginal muscles to sort of clamp down and cause the pain? And, is there anything you'd suggest for next time I get checked out to avoid this happening again?

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_tomorrow/]

it's likely that your vaginal muscles were tense because you were nervous, and this is why the speculum hurt so much. the best thing with a pap is to try to relax, but if you're really nervous and/or worried about the pain, talk to your doctor about how you feel. they've seen everything before, and a good doctor will do as much as they can to make it easier for you.

[2-1-5.livejournal.com]

one time my Gyno pinched some skin or something like that and it hurt much more than usual. But it was a very distinct kind of pinching pain, I don't know what it means if it was more of a pressure-y ache.

[bigmamakitty.livejournal.com]

There are two sizes of speculums. One time I went to a Gyno and she used the wrong size speculum on me and it hurt like hell, never had any pain or discomfort before at my Gyno exam so I never went back to that doctor.

[joybeans.livejournal.com]

You could always ask for them to use a pediatric speculum, which is what I always demand. I've never had it not hurt. I just figured it hurt everyone...lol

[holy-serena.livejournal.com]

It's not supposed to hurt. Sounds like you were tense though, which would make sense. Next time, forwarn your doctor, but also trying doing kegels before she inserts the speculum.

[brainery.livejournal.com]

That's an interesting idea -- how will kegels help? If anything, I'd think they would make the vaginal muscles a little more tense.

[misslynn.livejournal.com]

they help you know when your muscles are tense vs. relaxed -- helping you consciously relax them.

[nephron.livejournal.com]

I can't believe she said that! It isn't *meant* to be bad, even for someone who hasn't given birth. Uncomfortable, maybe, but if it really hurts there's something wrong (their technique or maybe your muscles tightening)

[hikerpoet.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they don't sound very sensitive either way. All good ideas so far, and if something really unusual was going on with you I hope they would've noticed (despite their lack of bedside manner). But i know the one time it hurt for me, I actually sort of had a bruise in that region (not from anything bad, probably a minor fall or something) but i don't know if that is a possibility at all?

[trellis24.livejournal.com]

The first gyno I ever had warned me to wiggle my toes as she was going in and while she was in. It seems to help. Apparently if you are wiggling your toes, it's much harder to "clench up."

[wenchdonut.livejournal.com]

my first gyn exam was very painful, and it turned out i had a mild yeast infection, which i'm sure contributed to the pain, that and i was extremely nervous. the second time i went, the nurse used a pediatric speculum, and she told me to wiggle my toes. i didn't feel a thing. it actually hasn't hurt since that first time, but i usually try to take deep breaths, and closing my eyes and wiggling my toes helps to relax me. if all else fails, tell your doctor ahead of time that you are nervous and that you have had a previous painful experience. if he or she is not sensitive to your needs and your requests, you can always find a different doctor who will be.

[guinevere33.livejournal.com]

Asside from tense muscles, the angle of insertion can also have a lot to do with it. My first and most recent paps were relatively painless, but the one in between hurt like a bitch. The reason? I hadn't scooched down the table *quite* far enough and so the doc was working at an awkward angle. Ouch!

[liberalms.livejournal.com]

If I complained of pain to my gyno and he ignored me and the nurse made such a condescending comment, I'd find a new doc, someone who is more willing to make me comfortable or at least explain why I'm not.

~Emily