Question 1

could the speculum give me a painful burning sensation upon insertion if i have vaginal atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Most certainly: First of all, the MD needs to use a smaller Pederson speculum. Secondly, the lubricant in of itself can be an irritant. Finally, the MD can provide an Rx for your atrophy in the form of medication.

Question 2

is speculum exam supposed to hurt? it was hurting quite badly during the insertion which was quite sudden. what are the possible reasons accounting the pain?

Accepted Answer

: Speculum examination is not usually hurtful. You should let your doctor know so that s/he may use more lubricant to avoid causing friction to any sensitive area.
Get HPV vaccine. Wish you good health!
Safe sex: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/safer-sex-guidelines

Question 3

i am a 38 year old virgin. i need to do an iui treatment and am very scared about the process, especially the insertion of the speculum.will it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Had a Pap?: If you've had a Pap smear done before, you'll find the IUI is nearly exactly the same. If not, you can expect some discomfort - most describe it as dull pressure -  from the speculum. It should never be a "sharp" pain. If you've never had a pelvic exam before, make certain the person doing the IUI know that. Good wishes.

Question 4

i had two unsuccessful pap smear attempts. i was raped little over 6 years ago. i tense upon insertion of speculum. will insurance ever consider ga for a pap smear in certain cases or should a valium help prior to pap smear? i want to get it done

Accepted Answer

Vaginismus: Sorr to hear of your vaginismus (pain preventing vaginal penetration). Good for you for wanting and recognizing need for pap smear. Find a gynecologist you trus and  follow her advice. Properly done by a careful and sensitive examiner might allow speculum insertion without too much discomfort. Valium (or a similar but shorter acting sedative) might help; your doctor will know. Good luck!

Question 5

when i visit my gynecologist for my regular checkups, the speculum is usually difficult to insert and might hurt, so it's hard to insert anything unless i'm aroused, so my gynecologist asks me to stimulate myself or asks to do it. is that normal?

Accepted Answer

: It would be inappropriate for a doctor to "stimulate" you.  A doctor's exam should include the speculum insertion to visualize your cervix and take a sample for the pap smear, and a bimanual exam involving using a finger or two in the vagina and a hand on your lower abdomen to feel your pelvic organs.  To improve your vaginal capacity or elasticity, you can use a vaginal dilator at home.

Question 6

what can be done to minimize the pain of folley catheter insertion and removal?  i recall this experience as the most unbearably painful event.

Accepted Answer

Folley: I fully understand your concern. A Lidocaine gel can be used during insertion to help minimize the discomfort. Removal is not as painful as insertion is. A pill of Ibuprofen or Naproxen prior to that may help numb up the experience.

Question 7

how painful is iud insertion for nulliparous women?  what measures can be taken to relieve the pain?

Accepted Answer

Not painful : Most patients do not experience much pain with an IUD insertion. Some of the pens on the patient's pain tolerance and some of it depends on the skill of the gynecologist. Taking ibuprofen ahead of time helps a lot. I use an ultrasound guided technique which helps too

Question 8

how long does it take for random bleeds after mirena (levonorgestrel) insertion to settle down not heavy or painful at all just light bleeds?

Accepted Answer

4-6 weeks : Irregular bleeding is the norm the first 4-6 weeks after insertion. Things usually improve after that with about 50% having no periods.

Question 9

painful cramping 1 month after iud insertion, normal or trouble?

Accepted Answer

Slight cramping: Slight cramping could be normal
too much cramping may mean infection.

Question 10

i have uncomfortable sex, hurts the most during insertion and painful during intercourse been having sex a while now never enjoyed it once why?

Accepted Answer

Go see ur family doc: Sex should be enjoyable, not painful (unless you like that sort of thing). Uncomfortable sex could be due to many issues, one of which is adequate lubrication. Are you excited enough? Do you actually want to have sex? And w/this particular person? Or are you having sex b/c you feel guilty? If you really want to have sex w/this person, consider water-based lubrication. More foreplay is always good.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

I find the speculum insertion painful

A member asked:

Could the speculum give me a painful burning sensation upon insertion if i have vaginal atrophy?

A member asked:

Is speculum exam supposed to hurt? it was hurting quite badly during the insertion which was quite sudden. what are the possible reasons accounting the pain?

A member asked:

I am a 38 year old virgin. i need to do an iui treatment and am very scared about the process, especially the insertion of the speculum.will it hurt?

A member asked:

I had two unsuccessful pap smear attempts. i was raped little over 6 years ago. i tense upon insertion of speculum. will insurance ever consider ga for a pap smear in certain cases or should a valium help prior to pap smear? i want to get it done

A member asked:

When i visit my gynecologist for my regular checkups, the speculum is usually difficult to insert and might hurt, so it's hard to insert anything unless i'm aroused, so my gynecologist asks me to stimulate myself or asks to do it. is that normal?

A member asked:

What can be done to minimize the pain of folley catheter insertion and removal? i recall this experience as the most unbearably painful event.

A member asked:

How painful is iud insertion for nulliparous women? what measures can be taken to relieve the pain?

A member asked:

How long does it take for random bleeds after mirena (levonorgestrel) insertion to settle down not heavy or painful at all just light bleeds?

A member asked:

Painful cramping 1 month after iud insertion, normal or trouble?

A member asked:

I have uncomfortable sex, hurts the most during insertion and painful during intercourse been having sex a while now never enjoyed it once why?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?