Severe phobia of intimate medical exams (especially pelvic exams and such) due to previous sexual abuse. what can i do? therapy didn't help :-(

Xanax (alprazolam) before exam: In situations like these, i will typically provide a med such as xanax (alprazolam) or Lorazepam or valium prior to the exam. It's taken approximately one hour prior to the exam and someone should be with you to drive you home in case you are over sedated. It will calm down the anxiety and hopefully allow you to get through the exam without any major complications.Your family doc or gyn can prescribe it.

Tell your OBG/YN: Tell your doctor about your history. You may want to work with a female doctor. They should explain each step of the procedures to you. If therapy did not help consider trying with another therapist. There are also support groups for survivors of sexual abuse that can be helpful. The process takes time and developing trust is hard for survivors. Don't give up you deserve to feel better.