Just a Pinch.. Post for the women here

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think what the OP is saying and probably what a lot of those women are saying in the videos is it's a very large societal problem. It's not so much about "you need to advocate for yourself" like yes we know that, but on a certain level women have been conditioned over the years where we're often told it's NBD or it is what it is you know just deal with it. It's like we don't even know what we're supposed to advocate for. If we go in for a procedure or a normal visit even will our fears be listened to, will they be prepared for things to help with pain tolerance. I know women who avoid normal visits simple due to the pain of a smear and just overall looking around.

I really really am not bringing covid up to talk about covid but remember how early on they were like "oh no women the vaccine doesn't affect your menstrual cycles" cue a study and then it's like "oh yeah okay so it can lead to a day or two shorter OR longer period, etc" and the whole dang point was this is not something that is usually looked at when tracking vaccine side effects AND an even bigger point was women who were expressing issues with their own dang bodies were told "no no you're mistaken" like yes things can affect it but for pete's sake listen to women----okay end rant on that.

So back to the OP's musings out loud I think some of this comes from being proactive in having knowledge provided to patients, a prepared plan for patients (like medication to ease pain should there be some, different methods for different procedures that allow for this to accommodate patients and their comfort levels and pain they may experience, reassuring comments not dismissive ones, etc) and more open conversations to be had.

 

[Shellsbutt]

I don't have an answer to your questions, but I just wanted to say I relate and I hear you. I had my first endometrial biopsy a year ago after a routine pap smear came back abnormal. I had never heard of it, didn't know what was involved. I'm an anxious person by nature and so I took a swig of something alcoholic in my car before my appointment I figured it might help relax me. The obgyn told me I would feel some discomfort, I would have a few strong cramps with the insertion. "Discomfort" was a major understatement! There was a few tense moments of trying to find the cervix opening and then she counted down the seconds. By the end I was on the verge of passing out and/or throwing up. I'm not kidding-just a few seconds longer and it would have been a mess in there. I've given birth to two kids with no pain meds, how can I not take this pain? It's really hard to say anything during the procedure when you're just trying to keep from being sick. I also didn't want to move a muscle in case she damaged something or it would have to be done again.

I think they underplay the pain you might experience because they don't want to cause extra anxiety. If they(health professionals) act casual then they make you relax more? I am never having that procedure done again-results came back fine and I still don't understand why it was done.

 

[WhatDinosaur]

A large part is misogyny.

Another part is that women are not included in a large portion of medical studies and men are considered the default, so for better control of results, mostly men are studied.* (though this is mostly misogyny as well, so maybe that’s the whole answer.) This leads to less understanding of many, many issues impacting only or mostly women. Look at how hard it is to get a diagnosis of endometriosis—the median is something like 12 years.

* An infuriating read about this is Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez.

 

[neverlandsky]

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[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think a big part of the problem is that because of the opiod addiction crisis, doctors are pressured to NOT give pain medicine very often. Which sucks because there are many people in legitimate pain that are really screwed because of that.

While I do agree that doctors in general are more hesitant to prescribe opioids and it's a really big issue I'm not sure I could related that to what were talking about since many of these issues predate that, many of the issues are more of a general attitude towards women's health.

Generally what I've heard is doctors try to prescribe something other than an opioid for pain tolerance, something that doesn't have quite the addictive properties or if there is no other true alternative they severely limit how many pills and/or refills. But that is remarkedly different than not offering any paid medication or listening to your patient on how much pain they are in because you have opioid type medication fear. That part goes well beyond an opioid crisis.

**Not to be construed that you don't have a point about the opioid crisis we're in but I'm not sure that's the reason for what the OP's observation was.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think that some of these procedures (IUD insertion, endometrial biopsy) are not considered “opiate-worthy”. I doubt they even have opiates available in offices to prescribe for these types of procedures. Years ago I was advised to take ibuprofen before some procedures, but now they say that can increase bleeding, so it’s not always recommended, either. Tylenol is something they will usually recommend, which doesn’t increase bleeding. It can help and is better than nothing.

Procedures under anesthesia are different, they generally do give something like fentanyl.

 

[dez1978]

While I do agree that doctors in general are more hesitant to prescribe opioids and it's a really big issue I'm not sure I could related that to what were talking about since many of these issues predate that, many of the issues are more of a general attitude towards women's health.

Generally what I've heard is doctors try to prescribe something other than an opioid for pain tolerance, something that doesn't have quite the addictive properties or if there is no other true alternative they severely limit how many pills and/or refills. But that is remarkedly different than not offering any paid medication or listening to your patient on how much pain they are in because you have opioid type medication fear. That part goes well beyond an opioid crisis.

**Not to be construed that you don't have a point about the opioid crisis we're in but I'm not sure that's the reason for what the OP's observation was.

Right. I understand the opioid thing, and they are correct. Many people who have legit needs get screwed bc drs don't want to prescribe them. But this is a different issue altogether. So many of the procedures women go thru don't always require opiod pain relief as much as something to numb the pain during the procedure itself. and since the procedure only lasts a min or two we are supposed to just suck it up and deal with it.

I don't have an answer to your questions, but I just wanted to say I relate and I hear you. I had my first endometrial biopsy a year ago after a routine pap smear came back abnormal. I had never heard of it, didn't know what was involved. I'm an anxious person by nature and so I took a swig of something alcoholic in my car before my appointment I figured it might help relax me. The obgyn told me I would feel some discomfort, I would have a few strong cramps with the insertion. "Discomfort" was a major understatement! There was a few tense moments of trying to find the cervix opening and then she counted down the seconds. By the end I was on the verge of passing out and/or throwing up. I'm not kidding-just a few seconds longer and it would have been a mess in there. I've given birth to two kids with no pain meds, how can I not take this pain? It's really hard to say anything during the procedure when you're just trying to keep from being sick. I also didn't want to move a muscle in case she damaged something or it would have to be done again.

I think they underplay the pain you might experience because they don't want to cause extra anxiety. If they(health professionals) act casual then they make you relax more? I am never having that procedure done again-results came back fine and I still don't understand why it was done.

Thank you. This was what I was trying and failing to say earlier. In that exact moment when we are supposed to be advocating for ourselves, we are too busy trying to hold it together and make it thru the next min or two and not move. And we are made to feel like we are overreacting, bc like you said, you'd given birth unmedicated twice. So you should be able to handle this. And sure, you made it thru it, but you shouldn't have had to deal with the pain. They know it hurts and there are ways to alleviate it, they just would rather tell us it'll be fine.

 

[mmouse37]

It was only about 3 years ago that a very kind tech told me during my painful mammo about taking a few Tylenol before a mammogram. Why didn't anyone mention that in all the years I had been going? Such a simple thing. The following year I took some before the appointment and such a different experience.

First endometrial biopsy I thought I was going to die (it will be uncomfortable I was told). No it hurt like hell. Next one I took Tylenol before and it was better.

MJ

 

[Sinder]

My OB/GYN just tells me to take advil before a procedure. I did that before my IUD insertion and it was still the 2nd most painful experience I’ve ever had. Almost passed out.. I had no idea the pain would be that intense, and I think my doc was just as surprised.

A few years before that I had an endometrial ablation and took some leftover Vicodin we had in the medicine cabinet. I sure wish I had that for the IUD.

Now I know, if I have any procedure scheduled I’ll be asking for a pain med RX

I’ve had cervical biopsies and cryosurgery and don’t remember them being as painful.

 

[dez1978]

I think that some of these procedures (IUD insertion, endometrial biopsy) are not considered “opiate-worthy”. I doubt they even have opiates available in offices to prescribe for these types of procedures. Years ago I was advised to take ibuprofen before some procedures, but now they say that can increase bleeding, so it’s not always recommended, either. Tylenol is something they will usually recommend, which doesn’t increase bleeding. It can help and is better than nothing.

Procedures under anesthesia are different, they generally do give something like fentanyl.

not opiate or anesthesia worthy probably. But they certianly could use numbing meds. They have plenty of those in the office. And to hear some of the women talk, IUD insertion is more painful for them than child birth. So Tylenol isn't going to do much there. And I'll tell you from my experience with the biopsy, advil or tylenol wouldn't have touched that pain.

 

[RangerPooh]

When I was in my early 20s my now DH accompanied me to a follow up GYN appt, and I'm glad that I was not alone. The male doctor had to remove tissue for testing to determine if it was cancerous. I was not given anything to numb the pain. The first sample was deemed too small, so a second larger sample was needed. This was more painful than the first when removed. I sat there squeezing my now DHs hand because I was in so much pain. I found a new doctor quickly.

This past fall I went to my OBGYN (female) for a replacement IUD. IUD insertion and removal is no joke! This was my third and it's painful every time. Without sharing too many details, the physician was concerned about the pain and bleeding that it caused in just the removal alone. The insertion wasn't much better and I was in discomfort for the next few days. I've read that you can get a shot to numb things down there, but I'm not sure about that, and nothing was ever offered.

 

[TheDad00]

Op. Might work in some paragraphs. Easier to read

 

[dez1978]

My OB/GYN just tells me to take advil before a procedure. I did that before my IUD insertion and it was still the 2nd most painful experience I’ve ever had. Almost passed out.. I had no idea the pain would be that intense, and I think my doc was just as surprised.

A few years before that I had an endometrial ablation and took some leftover Vicodin we had in the medicine cabinet. I sure wish I had that for the IUD.

Now I know, if I have any procedure scheduled I’ll be asking for a pain med RX

you were awake for an ablation???? I was def put under for mine.

 

[dez1978]

Op. Might work in some paragraphs. Easier to read

Of course thats what a man would take out of that.....

 

[Wendy31]

And, the thing is, after being told “you’ll be fine” or “it’s just a little pinch” but you end up being NOT FINE during the procedure because it felt way worse than a “little pinch,” you feel like maybe you‘re the problem & are just a wimp - because the doctor TOLD you that you’d be fine. And, you decide that, since he/she said that, maybe most women ARE fine, & you’re just being silly & weak - so you don’t say anything.

But, for me, it doesn’t really matter anyway because I absolutely can’t stand doctors & the entire healthcare industry, so I avoid at all costs.

I’ve told my husband, “I’ll just die at home.“

(The main reason I decided to get a COVID vaccine was to hopefully avoid the ER & hospital!)

 

[Moliphino]

For sure, everyon'e pain tolerance is different. Some people don't think tattoos hurt for others they could never sit thru one. But becasue for some women it's not that bad, doesn't mean other women's pain shouldn't be treated and taken seriously

It can even vary for the same person. I've had pap smears that didn't hurt at all and some that have hurt so much I was arching off the bed. I have no idea what was different between them.

 

[Sinder]

you were awake for an ablation???? I was def put under for mine.

Yes I was awake, it was the balloon thermal procedure so compared to the more invasive procedures not too bad. But bad enough though lol

 

[Pea-n-Me]

not opiate or anesthesia worthy probably. But they certianly could use numbing meds. They have plenty of those in the office. And to hear some of the women talk, IUD insertion is more painful for them than child birth. So Tylenol isn't going to do much there. And I'll tell you from my experience with the biopsy, advil or tylenol wouldn't have touched that pain.

It won’t help much during the procedure. After all, they’re scraping inside the entirety of your uterus! But I think the thought is (from what I recall) that it only lasts seven or eight seconds, until they get enough of the sample. That’s the worst part. But afterward, it can still obviously be sore. That is when the analgesic can help, which is why I take my 800mg of Motrin before I get to the appointment - so it’s already kicked in for the procedure, and for afterward. Along with a hot water bottle and a hot coffee or tea, as I said, to help soothe the innards. I’m not sure what the answer is, but having practitioners who are empathetic helps, anyway. Nobody should have pain issues blown off. There is quite a range of pain tolerance, though. Some people cannot tolerate even a touch. Others can tolerate unbelievable amounts of pain. My mom was around 92 when she had to have an endometrial biopsy. I took her to my GYN who absolutely could not believe how much of a trouper she was during the procedure. Mom was made of tough stock. From the GYN’s reaction, I took it that was unusual.

It can even vary for the same person. I've had pap smears that didn't hurt at all and some that have hurt so much I was arching off the bed. I have no idea what was different between them.

Very true.

 

[dez1978]

Yes I was awake, it was the balloon thermal procedure so compared to the more invasive procedures not too bad. But bad enough though lol

Holy crap on a cracker. I can't imagine....

 

[dez1978]

And, the thing is, after being told “you’ll be fine” or “it’s just a little pinch” but you end up being NOT FINE during the procedure because it felt way worse than a “little pinch,” you feel like maybe you‘re the problem & are just a wimp - because the doctor TOLD you that you’d be fine. And, you decide that, since he/she said that, maybe most women ARE fine, & you’re just being silly & weak - so you don’t say anything.

This part right here..... Thats exactly it