Is this appropriate at a doctor exam or should I report it?

[Andréa_97]

I feel stupid for even asking, but I think Im a bit shook and want someone else's opinion.

I have been getting slight red rashes around my body last few months, it's itchy and seems to come and go randomly.

Mostly been on the inside of my arms, ribs on one side and my thighs.

After speaking to a GP, I got a time booked with a skin specialist last week. She let me go through and describe my symptoms, and then wanted to get to see around the areas where I have gotten some rashes currently.

So after checking those, had mostly on one arm and the inside of one leg, she asked me if it continued up towards my genital area, I said no cause I never had it go that far up, but she insisted on having a look anyway.

I didn't feel like I had the option to say no, and sort of "froze" and just allowed it to happen, she examined me thoroughly, felt very disproportionate to what I had visited for. Kept spreading it over and over and I was just thinking that there can't be anything left for her to look at even after the first time, but she kept doing it. I don't know exactly how long she was looking there, hard to judge time, but it felt like at least 5 minutes.

I feel violated but I don't know if I'm just being dramatic over something "normal" or if it actually is something I was a "victim" of. Happened just a few days ago and I still feel terrible about it.

What do you think of this situation?

[RavVid]

It is unlikely she had any sexual intent. I don't think anyone can deduce what her suspicion of the cause of the rash but it would seem she suspects STIs. A quick google seems to indicate STIs can cause rashes on other parts of the body but I would thought a test would be ordered.

She might have been examining you for genital herpes. It seems it can cause rashes elsewhere. Lets not take Dr Google too seriously.

The important point is have you been given any further steps to be taken to resolve the problem? You should have left with a diagnosis and treatment or further tests/investigation.

The specialist should write to your GP giving her findings. Technically you should check with the clinic and see if that has happened then book an appointment with your GP to discuss the results.

However you might prefer to see your GP at the earliest. You could ask for an STI test to allay concerns.

[Andréa_97]

Like I replied to another comment, I left with recommendations to stop using fabric softener and bave changed the detergent to an allergy friendly one, she booked me a revisit next month.

And what you write is the reason I didn't at once report it, but it went on for so long that it can't be excused I think. Went through 7+ "cycles" of her holding it apart and like I said, there can be nothing she didn't see after the first 1-2 times she did it, but she kept doing it for minutes.

I am writing to the clinic now and will likely report to the police too.

[RavVid]

7+ cycles is a lot. There are professional bodies to complain to also

Thanks for explaining further

[yepdonethat]

Uh, unless you are lying, your doctor is a fucking lesbian that just used her position to hand rape you. Clear as day. How are you even questioning this? You should contact state police and report her to the medical board. That was absolutely her using her position of authority to get some illegal sexual kicks. She probably thought you were going to reciprocate and have a full session right there. No, completely out of line and a form of rape. Call state police right away and report it to the medical board.

[Andréa_97]

I didn't want to believe it I guess.

I am writing a report to the clinic and will also be reporting it to the police.

There is some trust that even in this circumstances I didn't want to believe she had such intentions, but I think it's clear now that it can't be medically excused.

Like I replied to another other comment, she went through many cycles of holding it apart, there was nothing new she could be looking for after the first 1-2 times.

[bobalife]

You have every right, you actually declined it…. But she continued it. Sure even if it’s for your examination, but you declined it because you felt uncomfortable and continue to feel uncomfortable. She honestly abused her power as a health care provider even if it seemed subtle in my opinion :/ professionals aren’t always granted permission and if patients refused, they can’t just do that… so I think it’s good you report it… even if it’s something they need to clarify, it’s better for them to be mindful of how they’re treating their patients and your individual rights. I’m sorry you felt that way… :/

[Veronica-026]

Doesn't sound right, even if it can be excused to examine the area, what you describe seems excessive.

No need to answer if uncomfortable, but was it anything like a gynecological exam?

Playing the devil's advocate maybe, but I'm thinking if it was just briefly looking at the area, outside parts, it might make sense, and how we experience time is subjective. if you feel very uncomfortable, 30 seconds can feel like 5 minutes.

But if it actually was for minutes and as thorough as I understand you describing it, it definitely sounds wrong and I would report it.

[Andréa_97]

Thank you for your answer 🙏

No, not like a gynecology exam, nothing "inside" if it make sense.

TMI warning but,
she was just repeatedly holding it apart, like spreading my lips and exposing my clit over and over.

I know time is subjective, but I am sure this happened for longer than 30 seconds, went through 7-8 cycles of what I just described.

I am drafting an email to the clinic, feels uncomfortable to put words to it though.
And will maybe even report it to the police.

[Veronica-026]

Ok, that definitely sounds like abuse of her position and authority as a medical professional.

Please do report it even if it is difficult.

[midnightmoon05]

Strange…was there an assistant? There should always two people in there when it comes to private examinations.

did she find anything?

[Andréa_97]

No assistant, just her.

didn't find anything in that area no, cause like I already told her it have never been any rash that far up, and especially not between the labia...

I left with some recommendations I follow, stopped using fabric softener and changed the detergent for clothes to an allergy friendly one, got a revisit booked in a month to follow up.

[HelpfulWoman]

I'd report it. Feels definitely unnecessary and if you acted like you said here, I would have thought anybody with a braincell would see that you and your body were saying no through behaviour

[ChicoFromThe305]

Can go either way, she could've saw something and thought it was something else etc, she could also be new, struggles with diagnoses, if anything don't go back to that place, but wait on results and maybe there's a logical explanation, if not you can always bring it up when picking up your results

[Red_Arrow]

Yes, you report it. That will allow someone in charge to inform you on what is appropriate and what is not. Also, they will have someone else examine you if you feel that the exam you had was a bad one and you need further info.

[fafylone]

You aren't victim as you still choose to show her the part. Even she was insisting it's still you choose to agree or not.

[Andréa_97]

Hard to insist on saying no to someone with "authority" in a way i think? And she insisted on it even after I said no.
Victim blame much?

[tfan1]

Report it. It’s now a rule or policy that if you are naked an assistant or nurse must be there to ensure nothing unprofessional happens.

[Andréa_97]

Noone else was there,

And yes, I am preparing an email to the clinic and will probably report it to the police too.

Just hard to "accept" that it happened to me, I guess I wanted someone else to confirm it as what happened feels so surreal.

[OtterMan68]

doesn't sound like she gave you a good enough explanation for wanting to do that. At the least, she just has horrible bed side manner, and the worst it was inappropriate. I'd report it

[exitseven]

I saw a dermatologist and he wanted to look everywhere. I figured he was being thorough.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it sounds like a line was crossed. Report it.

[OlderAndWiser]

It sounds unusual to me.

[jimmy2]

Well did she give you a diagnosis

[Jmmmfi4]

KINDA WEIRD

[Anonymous]

Some (me) wish to be violated when ever possible.