I'm a bit flustered at the moment. I'm realizing that I might possibly have Bacterial Vaginosis or something similar and should really see a gynecologist about it, but... I've only been to see one once when I was still in my first throws of puberty, and that experience seems to have scarred me emotionally. I got a pap smear when I wasn't ready from a female doctor I'd never met in my life because my mother had pushed for it. I walked out of that room shaking and refusing to let anyone even so much as lay a hand on my shoulder. Since then the very thought of going has made me nervous. The last time I tried to make an appointment it got to a point where my nerves turned into anger and I nearly went into a rage, and that was just after getting off the phone. Of course, I wound up cancelling.

Although I don't want to admit it I can see how this could become a serious problem. Does anyone have any advice?

Can you bring a friend with you? I've gone to many check up with my own friends at the time. I never went myself tho so I'm not of much help :c

Unfortunately I can't, I don't have any local friends. D:

I think maybe get recommendations of nice doctors? mine is a very sweet woman, she is extremely gentle and caring. I think trying to find someone like that is a way to go! Also, address your issues at the beginning of the appointment. If your gyno knows you are nervous she will try to be more careful, she might not even need to do any touching. But maybe you should start with this booking an appointment thing. There's no way easy way to tackle this one. Gather all your strength to make the phone call (and not to cancel afterwards), talk to your friends before and after, do something to keep your mind distracted from the situation and finally, realize the longer you postpone this, the more serious the problem can get! Doctors are there to help you, there's no need to be afraid :)

Mmmm.... I don't know.... I want to agree with you, I do, but... If it were light nerves than sure, but I'm a bit worried about how bad it is. I'm so averse to it I'm worried that if I did push through it and get it done anyway I might wind up having about the same reaction as last time, which would make it harder for the future and not easier....

I think it would be more okay if I could just walk in and do it on the spot, but the longer I have to wait the more my mind starts screaming "NO".

I do want to keep the friends thing in mind though, because I think both of you are right to mention that one. If I do get up the courage to go, even if she's not a local friend I do know someone that I could talk to.

You're not alone, I never had a pap smear done and my mom is really telling me to go get one but the thought of a stranger having do that check is weird... kinda embarrassing and .. awkward so I really don't want one. Same with a breast check.. I just don't feel comfortable undressing in front of a stranger even a doctor :S I mean it might be easier if it was a female doctor definitely don't want no male doctor. I really try to avoid having to go to any doctor :D unless I am like so sick to the point I can't move maybe but even then my family would have to drag me in. :( sorry I couldn't really be that helpful.

I cant help you either. i just wanted to tell you you're not alone. I know a girl who feels the same about visiting a Gyno.. because of identical reasons.. why do parents think that putting kids throuh that is ok, and that the kid will be just fine..? it only gives PTSD symptoms u.u

Perhaps there is a test you can do to find out if you have that infection or not, without having to visit the gyno, or getting naked..? Maybe your family doctor can help ...? i'm sure you did some research since you posted.

i hope you're ok...

It is nice to know that I'm not the only one. I'd looked around before and it seemed like everyone else was just talking about how that was really strange to feel that way etc etc.

I have, some. I wound up trying an over-the-counter medicine for vaginal infections, it seems to have helped but I'm not totally sure yet. I'll still be keeping an eye out.

Thank you. I'll be okay, one way or the other. I've dealt with worse.

If that's the case, it's probably a good thing you've not let her push you into it especially after what innamoramento just said. I can definitely relate to avoiding going to doctors in general, too.

Oh, bb, I know that feel immensely. I landed lady bits first on my Mom's shoe (I don't even remember HOW) when I was like... four years old, split said lady bits wide open, the whole nine yards, wound up in the ER for it and been scared of anything involving the downstairs since.

Always go with a female doctor. Always. Men don't have the bits, don't trust them with it. Beyond that, if it comes to seeing a female doc about it, talk to her before and address your concerns and fears. If they're worth their salt, they'll listen and take it into consideration.

Wow, that's awful. I hope you can resolve the fear that's come of that some day.

And do what about it? Be gentle? I could be wrong but I don't see them taking multiple sessions to help me with my fears before diving in.

Eh, we'll see about it. XD

You've heard it before, I wasn't going to insult you by saying it again. That's all.

So yes, essentially, be gentle. Doesn't help a lot when I don't have the courage to go in the first place. I'm not afraid of them hurting me. The problem is the fact that they'd be doing it, not how they'd be doing it.

I had a similar experience to that when I was 18. My mom made me get a pap smear by my regular doctor and it was excruciating. If you're into natural cures, you should try taking oil of oregano capsules. I have cured several UTIs and a yeast infection with that, and no side effects.

Oregano? Really? It's the first time I've heard that one. Sure, I can give that a go. Thank you!

You're welcome! It's not just plain oregano, it's the essential oil of oregano, also called oreganol. Like this one here. I've just used the ones from the Vitamin Shoppe or GNC and it's pretty inexpensive. It's amazing stuff!

Really, finding one by word of mouth is best. Gyno's are like boxes of chocolates with no flavor guide on the lid. I've been to lady-docs whom I wanted to punch (and never went back to) and I've been to lady-docs who are awesome. I'm currently see a PA (physicians assistant) and she's lovely. Always gentle and makes a point to ask about my overall health too. Mostly, you just have to find someone who gives a fig and listens. It's always a little nerve wracking, but that's normal...no one wants to end up in those stirrups! XD No matter how nice the lady is. Don't get discouraged about it because of one awful time, you'll find that while it's never something you look forward to, you don't have to dread it either.

So, basically the test for BV is just a swab. Look around and see if there's somewhere you can go where you can talk to the doc but then do the actual swabbing yourself? It might be easier on you.

ALSO, it's totally fine if you call them up and let them know "hey, I've had an issue with this in the past, can I just come in for a consultation with a doc?" If they're a good place, they'll be happy to do that (might still cost you) and could help you be more comfortable for next time.

That's actually great advice, I didn't even consider them letting me do it myself as a possibility. I will most certainly look into that, thank you.

Good luck! Either way, I hope it turns out well. :)

If I can find someone who will do that for me, I'm sure it will. c: