About Junko Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to teen health, thought I cannot give medical advice. I can explain medical terminology, describe medical conditions and hopefully help people understand what is going on with their bodies. If I don`t know an answer to a question, being a medical student, I can easily find out the answer since I have many resources I can refer to.
Question Hi, I'm 16 years old and for the past few years i've been having really bad period pains which have gradually got worse to the point where it makes me phisically sick and almost faint. Ive been to the doctor numerous times and she has given me pankillers which did not help, and has also put me on the contaceptive pill which also hasn't helped. My problem is after my last visit she said that she wanted to do a pelvic exam to check that there wasn't an underlying problem, but this has scared the hell out of me she's asked me to make an appointment but i really don't want to. Is it really necessary for me to have this type of exam ? and if it is what should i expect to happen ? will it hurt?
Answer Hi Carla,
Yes, you really should get a pelvic exam. This will help your doctor figure out what is causing your bad menstrual cramps and how to treat it. If you don't get a pelvic exam, your cramps will mostly likely continue and may even get worse. Without taking a look inside, the doctor really has very little idea what is going on. I understand that a pelvic exam sounds scary when you've never had one before, but I assure you this really is a necessary exam. Here is a great website to go to for more about the pelvic exam and what you can expect: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pelvicinfo.html
You will probably feel some pressure and discomfort during the exam, but it shouldn't be too painful. The exam is also fairly short so the discomfort will not last long.
I hope you will agree to get the pelvic exam, and I hope this helps to address some of your fears.
