anxiety about going to the doctors for sexual health

[keszj]

I am having health issues related to my vulva that i believe i need medical help for but i am scared of seeking this help. it is not something i feel comfortable sharing with my parents and i could schedule my own doctor's appointment but that also seems very scary and difficult, plus the idea of having to have a vulva/pelvic exam is scary (especially if done by a male doctor). just generally this whole situtation is giving me a lot of anxiety and i don't know what to do

[Sam W]

Hi keszj,

We can certainly help you find ways to make this all feel less intimidating! We have some basic information on how to find sexual healthcare in the U.K here: https://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodi ... sexual_and. We also have two guides, one on pelvic exams and one on dealing with doctors, that might be helpful. Sometimes just knowing what to expect can reduce how anxious you feel about the appointment: https://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodi ... dern_guide, Dealing With Doctors: Taking Control of Your Health Care Destiny

Beyond than, can you say a little more about the parts of this that are scary for you? Are there particular things you're afraid of?