[Brandye]

Planned Parenthood does not generally do gyn exams but that is a good place to start. They may have a free clinic. Yes, there are smaller speculums. I have three different sizes and your weight, more than anything, will determine which the doctor may use. Because of the amount of tissue in overweight women, a larger speculum may be required. I often do not use a speculum with virgin teens; once they become sexually active, a smear needs to be taken and that requires the use of a speculum.

The exam itself takes only several minutes. Your breasts and surrounding tissue will be palpated; abdomen pressed and an internal, with a finger, will be done while pressing the abdomen. The speculum shoulod not be inside more than a minute or two. It is not "comfortable" but need not be painful. The pain is generally caused because the patient does not relax sufficiently, so you can really control that part.