Anxious about routine cervical exams and Pap smears? A 2019 study by Cornforth found a significant number of women ages 18-71 reported feeling at least some anxiety during gynecological exams.
For some, though, a pelvic exam can be so paralyzing they avoid care. If you’ve had traumatic experiences, you may benefit from receiving trauma-informed care.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care assumes most people have experienced some form of trauma. It uses actions and techniques to avoid re-traumatizing a person. Healthcare providers who practice trauma-informed care have received training to help them recognize the signs that a person may have experienced a form of trauma. They’re able to modify care to minimize re-traumatizing you.
Be Your Own Advocate
The main thing you can do to have a positive health care experience is to be your own advocate. Find a healthcare professional that you trust, and who listens to your needs and concerns. Ask if they’re familiar with trauma-informed care, and share your experiences or concerns, as desired.
During trauma-informed care you should always feel respected and in control. You may never look forward to your annual well-woman exam, but it doesn’t have to be an experience that gives you anxiety or leaves you feeling re-traumatized.
Principles of Trauma Informed Care
- Individuals feel physically and psychologically safe
- Healthcare decisions build and maintain trust, and ensure that the person is the primary decision-maker
- Individuals receive access to peer support and can connect with others with similar experiences
- Your healthcare provider collaborates with other members of your care team
- Individuals are empowered to recognize their own strengths, and ability to heal and overcome past traumas
- Biases in relation to race, sex, gender, religion, etc. that a person may have experienced are affirmed and acknowledged
Receiving Trauma-Informed Care
Use these tips to seek trauma-informed care. Healthcare providers who practice trauma-informed care will:
- Give you as much time as you need to emotionally prepare before beginning any physical care or examination
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Tell you exactly what they are going to do before doing it, and wait for your permission to proceed
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Encourage you to sit up during a pelvic exam as opposed to laying on your back
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If it helps you maintain control or feel comfortable, they may have you put your hand over theirs during your exam
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During childbirth they will encourage you to give birth in whatever positions feel most comfortable and effective for you
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By Jessica McNeil, DNP, APRN, CNM, RNC-OB, C-EFM
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