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I’m nonbinary but posting here because I guess it’s maybe most relevant/I desperately need advice. I need to get a Pap smear, but even the THOUGHT of it sends me into tears with terror. I’m absolutely terrified of it. I’m not really scared of pain -
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Anonymous 1d

I get terrible anxiety from pelvic exams and pap smears due to a bad experience that I had with an obgyn. I recommend taking your time to carefully research your doctors. My new practitioner is a PA and she’s the best and has even prescribed me xanex for my pap smears because she knows how much anxiety they cause me. It really comes down to the provider and just making sure you choose the right one. If you look into practitioners who are also endo surgeons I find that they are more compassionate

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Anonymous 1d

It’s the thought of someone I don’t know seeing me like that. The thought of being so exposed and touched in that way sends me PANICKING. I already have a fairly big fear of medical stuff, and I think this is the worst example of it for me. Even writing this, I’m fighting off tears from anxiety and I feel so stupid about it.

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Anonymous 1d

i think you should go to a doctor that’s LGBTQ+ friendly. i heard planned parenthood is pretty inclusive. you should talk to your doctor so they can reassure you and calm you down. you’re capable of doing hard things. growth begins where comfort ends

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Anonymous 1d

For me it was just a little uncomfortable and awkward but didn’t hurt

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

I’m also terrified of being written off as “overreactive” or “dramatic”. I know I have endometriosis (every single female on my mother’s side of the family has it and I have the same symptoms all of them have/had), but I’m worried they won’t take my pain seriously or something.

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

Finally, (and I know this isn’t exactly the group for help with this part) but I really don’t want to be misgendered and deadnamed the whole time. And even if I state my preferred name and pronouns and stuff, people often just ignore that and call me a woman and she/her. So basically, I don’t want ANYTHING to do with this whole situation and I’m genuinely terrified, but I understand that I need to get it done for my health. What can I do to help myself? Advice?

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

go to planned parenthood they are good with lgbt care

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