Sjogren's and Women's Health

[downrabbithole]

Sorry to be little miss overshare 

I am just wondering if any of you experience similar reactions to the OBGYN or if its just me and my craziness?

For the record, I am 24.

For whatever reason, I've always had difficulty going to to gynecologist. I cannot relax enough to allow a speculum to be inserted, and if I do, it hurts really badly. How the vagina looks when a speculum is inserted creeps out as well, so that contributes to the whole issue.

I haven't had a regular exam since 2006, and that was really painful. I had some problems back in February that necessitated a visit to a gyno, was examined twice, and the second time, couldn't even go through with it. It was too painful.

While I know this isn't "normal", does this happen with other Sjogren's patients, or is this just me? I wonder if vaginal dryness accounts for some of the issues here....

[Dolly Dimples]

  My dear, 24 is rather young to have severe dryness of the vagina, unless you have had Sjogrens for a very long time.  It sounds as tho' you have Vaginitis, which is a common problem with many younger girls.. The Doctor will always use a lubricating jelly if you thinkit is dryness.. Being over anxious will make one seize up too, so it could also be that.. 
  I'd also mention your problem to the nurse  or Doctor before you go see the Gyno'.. you know' it isin't anything they haven't dealt with before.. Good Luck Dolly.

[Scottietottie]

Hi DRH 

I'm with you. I've always detested vaginal examinations. I managed 4 kids and yet I could never use tampons and have had docs comment on 'tightness', which I do wonder now - whether it was dryness.
I still dread going for smear tests when reminded to. It hasn't got better with age but it's something I've never been comfortable with.

Take care - Scottie 

[Pooh]

Count me in with the dreaded trip to the GYN.  I would rather have root canal.   And I too have had 4 children. 

I don't know if it's the dryness or the stress that causes the pain.  I flat out ask the doctor to use a smaller set of the speculum because the larger one was so painful.  This helps to make it manageable.  But I would still rather have root canal. 

You are not alone in this, HONEST!!

Hugs, Pooh