Pelvic Exam before Surgery (what??)

[EJA]

Okay....so thank whatever god(s) exist, if any, because I'm scheduled to have top surgery in early January. I am using every penny of my savings combined with my mom's tax deduction and some of her help (which is super surprising).

Anyway, it's been mentioned by both the surgeon and my endocrinologist that I'll have to get a pelvic exam before the surgery.

Um.

No.

Is there any way I can not have this done? And if I HAVE to, how did you guys deal with it? Frankly, I don't see how my genitals have anything to do with my breasts being removed, but I assume it's standard procedure.

I can't do it sober and awake. I can't. I'll freak out and cry (don't laugh) and probably throw up/have a panic attack. I actually brought a bottle of beer to college for this specific purpose, but I don't really think it's smart to get drunk before going to a doctor's visit. It was sort of last-resort.

Can I ask to be put under? Beg? I will do anything to not have to sit through this. I don't..I can't even express how much this can't happen at all, or if there's absolutely no other choice, then I at least can't be sober and fully aware/awake during it.

Advice please.

[Psychopomp]

It seriously does not sound like it's even slightly related to the surgery. I'd question why it's necessary and refuse that procedure if it's not a deal-breaker for surgery. Because that just sounds like total BS...

[EJA]

It seriously does not sound like it's even slightly related to the surgery. I'd question why it's necessary and refuse that procedure if it's not a deal-breaker for surgery. Because that just sounds like total BS...

Well, they need a complete physical exam. That includes "Genital/Rectal (must include prostate/pelvic/rectal exam)".

[Psychopomp]

It seriously does not sound like it's even slightly related to the surgery. I'd question why it's necessary and refuse that procedure if it's not a deal-breaker for surgery. Because that just sounds like total BS...

Well, they need a complete physical exam. That includes "Genital/Rectal (must include prostate/pelvic/rectal exam)".

I get that part but you should be within your legal rights to refuse, especially if it'll cause you medical problems (panic attack?) to endure it.

[EJA]

It seriously does not sound like it's even slightly related to the surgery. I'd question why it's necessary and refuse that procedure if it's not a deal-breaker for surgery. Because that just sounds like total BS...

Well, they need a complete physical exam. That includes "Genital/Rectal (must include prostate/pelvic/rectal exam)".

I get that part but you should be within your legal rights to refuse, especially if it'll cause you medical problems (panic attack?) to endure it.

I am going to try to refuse. I'll see what happens.
I have never had a panic attack, but what led me to say that was that I"ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, I'm extremely shy/dysphoric/sojfshs about my body - especially down there, and last time I had to be looked at because I had some infection or something, I was crying and freaking out and shit, and that was back when I was a girl and it was only like 10 seconds. So yeah, something way worse is going to happen if I have to get a legit exam.

If it turns out I can't avoid it, I'm going to ask for a sedative. Demand one.

[WriggleMunch]

I don't know why they are asking you to have a pelvic exam, however I can see the whole "we're trying to make sure you're healthy thing". A little.

If it makes you feel better, I'm FTM, and I recently had a pelvic exam because it's something important to do to remain healthy. I'm telling you the entire thing takes like 2 minutes. I was freaked out and shit but I explained to the doctor that it was my first time and that I was transgender, and she took all that with respect. Serious, this was like the shortest doctor visit of my life. I also get really dysphoric sometimes with my downstairs, but I guess my main issue is with my breasts.

If you haven't already, look up the details of the procedure online. That way, if you HAVE to have one, you'll know what you're getting into. Also, the doctor explained to me everything that was going to happen and told me that I could tell her to stop at any time.

I don't know if any of that helps. It sounds like more of an issue for you than it was for me, but you just have to remind yourself it's not something a woman does, it's something a healthy, responsible person does, I guess.