Post-Rape Medical Evaluation: Is It Too Late?

Question
QUESTION: Hi my name is Julie and I'm 18 years old. I don't know if you can answer this, because I'm not pregnant. But I thought since you know all about women, maybe I'd give it a try. Well, in the beginning of October, I was raped. I guess I just want to know if you think it is too late to go get checked out by a doctor? Would you recommend me still going, or is it too late? I know they wouldnt be able to perform a rape kit, seeing as all the evidence is gone, but would a gynecologist or anyone still check me out to make sure I don't have STD's? Or like a pap test or something? I am not really sure what all of that means, I am just really scared and worried. It doesnt look like I have an infection down there or anything like that, so I am just wondering if I should just forget about it? Because what if I go in, and there is absolutely nothing there for them to see? Pleae help if you can!

ANSWER: Dear Julie,

I'm very sorry to hear of what happened to you.  I would definately recommend that you get checked out, regardless of how long it has been.  You'd want to make sure you didn't contract any STD's.  It is definately better to be safe than sorry in this situation.  You may also want to think about making an appointment with a counselor to talk about this traumatic event that happened to you. Your doctor can probably recommend someone in your area.  I hope this helps you.  Best wishes,

Sarah

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QUESTION: Hi Sarah,
Thank you for replying so quickly, you have been very helpful. But can I not tell on my own if I have any diseases or STD's? I mean, are there any signs? Because since it has been acouple months, I don't feel any different and nothing is wrong down there I don't think. If there was, wouldn't I know by now? Thanks for helping me.

Answer
Hi Julie,

Some STD's do not show symptoms in everyone.  That is not to say that you have one, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.  Especially where some STD's impact fertility and you don't want to risk that.  Some signs of a possible infection would be discharge, painful urination, pelvic pain, etc.  The symptoms vary person to person and vary with the disease, but some can lay dormant for months with no symptoms.  I would definately make an appointment with an ob/gyn just to be safe.