QuestionHi 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 saw Gynecology in your writing, so I thought 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!
AnswerHello Julie,
Sorry for the delay in my response. I have been away for the past four days at a meeting.
I am very sorry to hear this, but I am glad that you are not harmed. You should definitely go see a Gynecologist. You are right that it is too late to do a rape evaluation at this point, however, you are at risk for STD's. Some of these STD's don't have symptoms but can have serious effects on your health, like damage or block your tubes leading to infertility. We can do cultures to check for all these things, including hepatitis and AIDS/HIV. So, do not hesitate.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
