transvaginal scan and PTSD

[SnowyMouse]

I've just had an appointment for, amongst others, a transvaginal scan. I have PTSD, and I'm worried the scan might be triggering. Does anyone know how long it lasts/what it's like, and have any coping tips please?

It takes a few minutes and the scope is very thin. I think you have the option of inserting it yourself if you wish.

I'm sorry this is scaring you. I did some mindfulness breathing exercises.

Hey
In my experience it’s always been 2-3 mins, I guess it depends on why. It shouldn’t hurt, and it’s probably good to empty your bladder before it. You’ll be covered with a sheet too so really no one sees anything.

I've had a couple - have never been painful and quite quick. Have always been women doing mine. They explain what they are going to do and you're covered with a sheet. They don't look at you at all they're looking at the screen.

It's quick and doesn't go in very far. Mine have never been painful. They have a sheet over you, don't really look, explain everything and if you're uncomfortable they will stop. You can bring a partner/friend if you need.

Also the scanner thing has a condom over it and lube so it's not difficult when they insert. I have ptsd too op but I find these ok. Cervical checks I can't handle unless it's a doctor I'm very comfortable with (pap smears etc).

To be completely honest, I found mine a lot more triggering than I thought I would.
I’d suggest telling the person doing the scan (I didn’t because I thought I’d be fine) and taking some time for yourself afterwards if you can.

I've had a few. Its not painful and as pp said it's lubes up.

It depends what they are looking for how long it takes.

Can you let the person doing the scan know. I usually say something like “I’ve got a history of sexual trauma”, and no one asks any more but they’re aware and tend to take more care. Do you know the part that might be triggering for you - it sounds silly but for example the nurse/radiographer being able to see me doesn’t bother me at all, so having a sheet covering he isn’t remotely helpful because the thing that is triggering for me is having something put inside me. Knowing that, I can tell them how to make it bearable and what to look for that would tell them to stop because I’m not coping.

It’s easy to underestimate just how awful these types of examination can be for women who have been traumatised. Try to think about what might help, could you take someone to literally hold your hand and talk nonsense to you, give yourself time afterwards to fall apart a bit if you need to.

Thanks all for sharing your experiences, it really helps. I'll try telling them my history, good idea. I don't have anyone I could take with me, unfortunately.

Have they explained why it’s necessary?

I think they want to check for fibroids, amongst other things.

It should not be painful and lasts only a couple minutes but if you are definitely sure you will find it difficult, you can ask for a trans abdominal scan instead. I have cervical fibroids and they were diagnosed on a transabdominal scan tbh..

It says TA scan and transvaginal scan, so maybe it's both?

I've had one for fibroids and it is very quick and painless. I felt quite vulnerable at first but the nurse was so matter of fact it was fine. It was nice to have a lie down

If it's important for you to have a woman then please make sure you specify at time of booking. The leaflet they sent me with my appointment said it could be a male or female sonographer, but thought I'm sure it won't be a man, and then was surprised that it was! There was a chaperone who stood at the head end. They will start with a transabdominal scan (usually requiring a full bladder), then send you out to empty your bladder for the transvaginal scan. You come back, go behind curtains, remove bottom half clothing and place paper sheet over you, before the sonographer comes in. Agree with PP that it is not painful, and that other than the start, they are not looking 'there' at all, but looking at the screen at your side. Much much better, both in terms of discomfort, and in terms of 'feeling exposed' than a smear. But if it's important for you to have a female, please do confirm ahead.

Thanks, I need to rebook anyway, so I'll ask then.

They may actually not do the scan. I was supposed to have an ultrasound and a transvaginal scan for fibroids but they only did the ultrasound in the end as they said something about how the fibroids that they’d detected in the ultrasound would obscure the image.

Thanks for that, I suppose it depends what they see/individual circumstances.

I had one very recently. It was very laid back and only myself and the sonography tech and the assistant in the room.

I was allowed to keep my own clothes on and had to pop bottom half off. They stand behind a curtain until you're completely ready and have covered yourself with a sheet. It was painless and quite interesting actually!
The room is dimly lit which I think helps also.
I hope it's goes ok

Thanks captainprincess I might wear a skirt, to make it easier.

Good plan, I was going to wear a dress but wasn't sure if I would have to get changed 😂 I will next time!

I'm not wearing a dress as they want to scan my abdomen too (liver), so at least with a skirt I can pull it up and down.

I wore jeans but I got undressed and under the sheet before they asked if I was ready. They do give you plenty of time.