OBGYN Exam Anxiety? Try These Effective Solutions
We don’t want you to be nervous.
We realize that your annual exam isn’t a lot of fun—but it’s a vital part of your overall wellness. It’s a time we can address any of your concerns. This is a time to screen for cancer so it can be treated at its earliest stages–when it is more beatable. We applaud you for taking this positive step toward better health.
We also understand that many have OBGYN exam anxiety. OBGYN exam anxiety is not unusual—in fact, it’s one of the most common anxiety-provoking medical appointments.
Don’t let your anxiety keep you from an exam that is vital to your health. To help put you at ease, we’ve compiled a list of solutions that will provide some relief during your next scheduled appointment.
4 Effective Solutions for OBGYN Exam Anxiety
First, talk to us. If you’re nervous or anxious, we want to know. We are members of your healthcare team, and we consider ourselves partners in your care. Know that we will do anything we can to help you be more comfortable.
1. Try to Relax
How Do I Relax During a Gyno Exam?
It can be challenging to try to relax during an exam, but we’ve found the following tips useful:
- Take deep, relaxing breaths
- Listen to relaxing music
- Use guided visualization to imagine a relaxing scene
- Bring a stress ball to squeeze
If you’re unsure where to start, just talk to us and we’ll help you develop some useful techniques.
2, Know What to Expect
Whether you’re coming in for a regular Pap smear, or you have to have a minor procedure like a hysteroscopy it helps to know what to expect. We believe that education is vital to helping you understand and take control of your health. It also gives you a chance to ask us any questions—and we’ll always take time to answer them.
3. Let Us Know If You Are Uncomfortable
All you have to do is let us know, and we can make adjustments and even create a plan to help you be more at ease. You will never be judged for speaking up—in fact, if you are nervous, we encourage you to tell us.
4. Bring a Friend or Family Member With You
Sometimes, it helps to have a support system in place during your exam. If you would prefer to have someone with you, we’ll be glad to do anything we can to accommodate you.
Can I Talk to My OBGYN About Anxiety?
Absolutely! We want you to let us know if you are nervous in any way, especially if you have OBGYN exam anxiety. Our goal is to help you live the healthiest life possible, and if you are anxious, we don’t want that to stand in the way of getting the cancer screenings or exams that could save your life.
Together, we can create a plan to help put your mind at ease. We understand that exams are not pleasant, but we pledge to make them as comfortable as possible.
At Chapel Hill OBGYN, There’s No Need to Have OBGYN Exam Anxiety
For decades, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing the highest level of care—and that means providing support and education to our patients. If you have OBGYN exam anxiety, you’re not alone. Talk to us and we can help.
See why we’ve been recognized as the top OBGYNS in Chapel Hill, Durham, and the Triangle area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.