I have severe vaginismus/phobia of examinations following traumatic experiences and surgery as well as sexual abuse and assault when I was a child/teenager .
I’m due to have a smear this year , had one before but only with a GP I knew very well , diazepam and a great deal of coaxing - she had to try five times before she managed . There was a note on my file saying any internal examinations were to only be attempted if deemed absolutely essential and only by her or two other doctors (senior partners), no nurses etc . I’ve had concious sedation , morphine and been offered a general for internals before ...
I’ve since moved surgery and they’ve informed me practice nurse does smears etc , just a standard ten minute appt etc and no need for diazepam etc as it’s ‘painless .
Friend has suggested I see a ‘my body back’ clinic which runs where I live - highly trained staff in specialist clinic for women who’ve experienced sexual violence . I don’t know if that includes me . They will do coils and smears and some maternity care - supposedly you get tea and cake after ... im a bit scared to phone and wondering if anyone else has heard of them? If it’s maybe the better option as Gp doesn’t sound like they understand at all sadly .