Why did no one tell me...

Dosergirl

i haven't had my first appt yet, but i have had a rectal exam before and it really isnt a big deal. it's over in like a second. and it doesn't hurt or anything, just feels awkward.  i wouldn't worry too much about it.

robynlesley

While I didn't have a rectal exam at my first prenatal visit, I've had them before (the rectal/vaginal to feel my ovaries) and it isn't too bad. I think most doctors won't do one, but if they do you shouldn't worry.

 

annibes

I've had it done at a couple of regular gyn appointments, but the OB hasn't done it yet during the pregnancy. It's (from what I understand) to check the walls and muscles down there to make sure everything's strong and as it should be.

I could be wrong, though- that's just the idea I got from the explanation when I said, "Why is this necessary?" the first time.

annibes

robynlesley:

While I didn't have a rectal exam at my first prenatal visit, I've had them before (the rectal/vaginal to feel my ovaries) and it isn't too bad. I think most doctors won't do one, but if they do you shouldn't worry.

?

Oh, yeah ^^ this one is right- ovaries, too.

mallen727

It actually depends on your doctor.  I read about it in a magazine, too. My doc in NY did that for annual checkups, but my doc in MO doesn't.  I'm definitely not complaining...lol.

thoman

I had one done at my first OB appointment. My doc checked everything, breasts, tapped my tummy, internal and rectal exam. She just checks to make sure there is nothing there - pollups or any abnormalities. I guess it just depends on your doc! Totally uncomfortable, but I would rather her check everything and make sure there isn't anything that can cause complications!

sunshinegirl75

I haven't had my first regular OB appt., but I have had it done at my yearly exam.

EngagedtoEllis

I haven't had to have one... OUCH!

jenniferb96

LOL  I think I would of been like ummm what the hell are you doing I dont ven let my husband go there!!!  I have never had one done

MrsNnr

I haven't ever had one either!

Saratoashes

Haha, I guess it's one of those unspoken things. I've had one done before though, at my yearly check ups. I don't think it's completely unheard of.

MelTaylor

Wow, never heard of that before.

jhelly77

It is actually part of a "complete" pelvic exam, although most doctors don't do them on young women.  Expect one after you deliver too to evaluate the extent of any tears.

ivs112

OMG, that is so strange! I haven't had my 1st appointment yet, it's in a few weeks. I really hope that's not standard procedure!

nbohm81

You aren't alone....I had one, too!  However, no one else I have talked to has had one.  I think she told me why she was doing it, but I was in so much shock at the time that I completely forgot why!  Ha!

mchopard

Dont worry, its a normal thing, even though its not always done. Your uterus can sit in different positions in the body (anteverted, retroverted etc..) and sometimes to be able to feel the uterus properly, you need to have the rectovaginal exam. But once your uterus gets big enough, you doc should be able to feel it on a regular bimanual exam.

So its clearly no fun for the patient (i know!), but its also a bit of a shock when no one gives the med student any warning, and just sends you in with a gloved hand!