Gynecology Appointments and IBS

By Elizabeth Alvarez

3 min read

This upcoming week I am due for my annual gynecology appointment and I am a bit apprehensive. The last time I had a gynecologist appointment, I was living in New York City. This time around, I am located in Miami, Florida. So I will be trying out a new doctor that was recommended by a dear friend.

Thankfully, this doctor is young and actually close to my age. My dear friend who recommended her said she is a fabulous doctor and she even treats patients with high-risk pregnancies. This perked my interest since, in addition to IBS, I was also diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, and being that in the future I would like a family this could be a great fit.

Anxiety about the gynecologist

Oh, but having to see the OBGYN with IBS can always be a bit touch and go. I am not naturally an anxious person but being diagnosed with IBS plus Crohn’s Disease, all its horrible physical effects have caused me to experience anxiousness, and nervousness on all levels.

I can’t help but wonder, how will I be feeling the day of my appointment? The earliest opening this doctor had when I called involved a morning appointment – 9 AM to be exact.

I took this appointment because I have fallen behind on staying on track with my OBGYN appointments due to a lack of finding a new doctor. I know, I know, not good. Just a kind reminder, it is SO IMPORTANT for women to see a gynecologist! Get those pap smears, ladies! Okay, PSA over.

Anyways, I would be lying if I didn’t say that this upcoming 9 AM appointment hasn’t had me slightly anxious. As we well know, IBS can be particularly spunky in the mornings.

My usual morning routine with IBS

My morning routine involves a long bathroom visit and if I have to be somewhere at a certain time, this routine can become much longer than it usually is. See, I hate being late to anything so the pressure of being on time can make my symptoms worse.

Back when I used to work a 9-5 job, mornings were the absolute worst. I was often late to work due to IBS because I was unable to get out of the washroom due to urgency. Lately, I don’t have to deal with this because I now work from home and make my own schedule. I have zero pressure in the mornings and it is glorious! I just hope symptoms are calm for this morning appointment so that I don’t have to be rushing and feeling stressed due to unexpected bathroom trips.

Still going to my appointment

In addition, it is always nerve-wracking to sit split eagle in front of a doctor to get your lady-bits checked. Not only that but what if IBS decides to act up then? Then what? Oh dear, the thoughts that can go through your head.

Overall, although I am slightly anxious, I am excited to meet this new doctor and finally, well hopefully, have a local gynecologist that I can depend on and see for years to come. IBS can be unpredictable but it is important to remain optimistic and not let fear overtake you.

I am going to put it out in the atmosphere already, that the morning of my appointment will go smoothly and I will really take a liking to this new doctor. Wish me luck.

How about you? Do you get anxious going to doctor appointments considering IBS symptoms could act up? How do you cope? Comment below, we love to hear from you.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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beachbaby Member
Yes I cannot make it out of the house when I have a doctor or dentist appointment. I have asked my dr for anti anxiety medication which I got a few Diazapan from my dentist and they seemed to help. My new dr will not give them to me though she gave me another med which was like taking candy pills. I will have to talk to her and tell her they do not work that I need Diazapan
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="beachbaby" user-id="2325199"/> I understand completely. I was prescribed Diazapan once and it helped me a lot. If you know you need it, keep advocating for yourself until a doctor listens. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
beachbaby Member
Elizabeth Alvarez
rosie Member
I really appreciate your article. My male family doctor used to chit chat kindly before doing the pelvic exam and all I could think was "Hurry Up and get this thing over with!" What helped me the most was hearing a friend (who didn't have IBS) that she farted and was embarrasses but the doctor explained that happened frequently. I have luckily never had that happen but have had sweaty palms and emotional pain worrying about it every time. 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="rosie" user-id="2323299"/> Oh my gosh, I can totally understand. I get super gassy from the anxiety. The whole time through the exam it feels like I am holding in gas, it's horrible. I can't relax. I also learned it's best to not do a Gyno appointment in the morning. Mornings are when my symptoms are most active so it's just adding to the mess. Afternoon appointments for me from now on. I should be much calmer. Glad that didn't happen to you! Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
mktggirl Member
I get nervous for EVERY doctor appointment simply because I am out of the house, but I've learned to arrive early and find the bathroom to try to clear out everything in there before checking in. But I am with you on the pelvic exams being particularly vulnerable. I once had the nurse at a post-partum checkup tell me that "he's seen it all" and honestly that helped me realize that the doctors are human, too, and they want to deal with our bodies so this is our bodies in all their glory with bodily fluids. I always figure if I start feeling like I really need to run to the bathroom I am empowered to say, stop I need to use the restroom! The world will wait if I need one more visit to the bathroom.
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mktggirl" user-id="2314123"/> You are so right! Worst thing, is you say stop to go to the bathroom. And I'm glad you shared that. Doctors have truly seen it all. Nothing phases them, for us it can be horrifying but to them it's another day at the office and they forget about it by the time they leave the room. I hope you are doing well today. Big hugs to you, Elizabeth (team member)

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