Traumatic Vaginal Examination

Submitted by ilovewings on May 8, 2014 - 7:39am
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Hello friends: I am 70 years old and have had a very large fibroid uterus for 30 years. I was pressured to have my uterus removed but never did. However, I do have pelvic ultrasounds to ensure the stability of the fibroids ( to ensure they are not growing). Anyway I had a pelvic exam yesterday, the first in two years. I go to a very reputable university hospital in the Midwest and my gynecologist is very good. She never bugs me to have surgery for my large uterus or grade 3 cystocele unless I develop symptoms. anyway, yesterday the resident actually did the pelvic with the supervising gyn standing next to her. It was very unpleasant because I am not sure this resident knew what she was doing. so she had to use two speculums( she took it out and put another one in-which never happened before ever)--- both she and the supervising physician put their hands and fingers "up there". the resident actually said she could not see the cervix, did I have my uterus removed (this was after she and I discussed my fibroid uterus). The supervising physician kindly told her the cervix was hidden behind the cystocele. Anyway, I have developed some discomfort and cramping. I was up half the night and now I am concerned that she could have caused some type of internal injury. I am trying not to go off the deep end and when I looked up pelvic exams on the internet it states there is really no risk of injury. I am concerned and a little freaked because I have never ever ever had any type of pain or cramping after a pelvic exam. I am pissed at myself because I am a pretty intelligent patient and I am mad that I did not insist that the supervising physician perform the exam herself ( this was the first time this happened at this facility). Any thoughts?
I can imagine if I call the physician and tell her my story she will think I am nuts.

Forum:

Aging gracefully

May 8, 2014 - 8:49am

Hi ilovewings,
Doesn't sound like a very pleasant experience at all. 2 speculums? Ugh! I know residents need to learn, but I always wish it wasn't on me!
All I can say is from personal experience throughout the years of having pelvic exams, I always had cramping and sometimes a little bleeding afterwords. Everyone's experiences are different of course.
I would say if your symptoms don't go away after a couple of days, then there may be something to worry about, but for now don't borrow trouble if you don't need to.
So sorry you went through this.

Bebe

May 8, 2014 - 9:30am

Since your experience took place at a university (teaching) hospital, I don't think it would be out of line for you to notify your physician of your pain and cramping. If you tolerated it without obvious distress, she may not have been aware of the uncomfortability of your exam and should know of the aftermath. We would hope a supervising physician would be able to see this happening, but we don't what someone else's hands are feeling so she may have missed it. If we are subject to be practiced upon when we seek medical care and knowing that the student will someday become the teacher, we should participate in their education. Otherwise (if we simply suffer it) we're participating in the diminishing quality of care. A complaint doesn't have to be an offense; it can and should be informative if delivered with that demeanor.

Here's a comparison. I get my hair cut at the beauty school every six weeks. I know the work is going to be supervised and I have the opportunity to explain to the student stylist about my double crown and how to cut my hair to keep me from looking like a rooster when they're done. Sometimes they go too far and I crow about it a little. Sometimes they do it really well and I praise them and tip them well. Either way, my little vanity about my hair is satisfied every six weeks and another student gets another learning experience.

How much more then should we be concerned and involved with a medical student! No doubt you are intelligent and informed about your condition and are able to communicate it as you've done here. I hope you're feeling better soon.

ilovewings

May 11, 2014 - 7:00am

I want to thank you for your responses to my post. I really appreciate your input and concern. A pelvic examination is something we have to endure all of our lives and when it is something other than routine it is anxiety producing.

Surviving60

May 11, 2014 - 7:24am

Wings, I'm not trying to be the devil's advocate here, but I am wondering why exactly it is necessary at age 70 to go through these periodic exams. Have your doctors lead you to believe this fibroid is a danger? Generally a fibroid will have a growth spurt just before menopause, but after menopause will usually shrink and calcify. - Surviving

ilovewings

May 13, 2014 - 6:23am

The reason I continue to be followed by a GYN is that my fibroids never really shrank after menopause ( as I was told they would); I have a 4-month size uterus. I never wanted a hysterectomy. There is always a risk they can grow and become cancerous I have pelvic/transvaginal ultrasounds annually to determine if the size remains stable. I also have had some urinary difficulties over the past year and believe it is in my best interest to have a vaginal/pelvic exam every couple of years. I also have a grade 3 - 4 cystocele. I appreciate your comments.