Importance of GYN exam

A patient treated successfully for severe vaginismus writes:

“My mom was diagnosed with Stage III B Cervical CA and will receive radiation and chemotherapy. She is supposed to start off with radiation 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks and chemotherapy once a week for 5 to 6 weeks. I am VERY thankful that I was able to have the Botox for Vaginismus treatment because I had not had a pelvic exam in about 2 years and I apparently have a strong family history of Cervical CA. Now I am able to have routine pelvic exams and pap smears; I am very thankful for that!”

Most vaginismus sufferers think that the treatment of vaginismus it is all about being able to achieve intercourse. Few think about the value of periodic GYN exams.

Another patient with vaginismus for fifteen years writes:

“One of the things that really helped to motivate me to overcome vaginismus was my health. While having vaginismus, I could never have a successful gynecological exam as the exam always ended badly with me in tears. I was also unable to have any required tests (i.e. internal ultrasound). Last October, after the procedure, I had my first successful GYN exam and I am still honestly so, so happy that it worked and was pain-free.”

Post Procedure Counseling: Preparing for a GYN Exam

During the post procedure counseling, we spend time speaking about transitioning to intercourse as well as preparing for a GYN exam. The two are very similar in that prior to intercourse and prior to a GYN exam it is recommended that dilation be done for about an hour. This helps stretch the vagina and reduces discomfort. I encourage patients to arrive at the GYN office with one of the large dilators in place. The doctor then removes the dilator and inserts a small speculum, which is about half the size of the dilator. This allows for a pain free exam and reduced anxiety in having this important examination.

Stories from our Patients Regarding their Experience with a GYN Exam

You may also find it helpful to read three of our patient’s stories regarding GYN Exams. “Fear of a GYN Exam”, “Dreaded GYN Exam”, and “Success with a GYN Exam”. Each of these stories will give you some additional insight on a GYN examination.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Botox treatment for vaginismus and progressive dilation under anesthesia, please contact us via our contact us form.

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About Dr. Pacik

Peter Pacik, MD, FACS is a recognized pioneer in treating patients with Botox for vaginismus and the author of When Sex Seems Impossible: Stories of Vaginismus and How You Can Achieve Intimacy. He has been in practice for over thirty years and belongs to a small group of prestigious surgeons who are double board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In 2010, Dr. Pacik received FDA approval to continue his study to treat vaginismus using intravaginal injections of Botox together with progressive dilation under anesthesia.
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