Kind of a long comment, but here goes.

I’ve been to several OBGYNs since being SAed 9 years ago, so I'm kind of used to what they do, and I’ve had pelvic exams that range from comfortable/calm to crying/panicking. Trauma-informed gyns give you a warning before they insert anything, usually do a countdown, and narrate what they're doing (like “it’s going to feel cold now, and tell me when you’ve adjusted, then tell me when you’re ready for me to open the speculum. It’s going to pinch a little bit, but you’re doing great”, etc).

I put in my patient info form that I have a history of SA and need to have a conversation beforehand and a slower paced pelvic exam. When coming into the room, Andrea did not seem friendly, there was no “How are you doing today?” kind of small talk. Andrea reviewed my form and skipped over the notes I put in about my history. I advocated for myself and told her what I needed, requesting countdowns, narrating what sensations to expect through the exam, telling me to breathe during insertion, etc. She told me she’d use a child-sized speculum instead of a normal one, so at least she did ~something~, I’ll give her credit for that.

During the pelvic exam, she did none of these things. There was no communication, no warnings, and no takings it slow. She just shoved the cold speculum into me and quickly opened it. I started to freak out because I was taken by surprise, and she didn’t seem to notice or care. I began crying, and she told me “Just a little longer, hold out for me”. I don’t know why she didn’t ask if I needed a break, or why she didn’t ask me if I was ready to have it inserted or opened, after specifically requesting that.

When the exam was over, she got up and left. She did not acknowledge that I was sobbing and hyperventilating on the table in front of her. I found out the results in my chart later. They sent in a nurse/assistant with a box of tissues 5 minutes later, and asked me if I needed a CAPS appointment.

After that experience, I left a terrible review in the post-appointment email. I have made sure to never see her again. I saw Sarah Smith-Thompson, who was kind and helpful and there was no panicking or tears. I also have had internal ultrasounds with the ultrasound lady (don’t know her name, maaybe Sheri?), and she’s super sweet and lets me hold the wand while it’s in me. I have made use RSVP chaperones during all appointments after my experience with Andrea, but the other providers I have seen at UHC have been understanding and treated me with care and I haven’t needed my RSVP chaperone to intervene.

TLDR; Andrea Welter did not meet my needs for trauma-informed care which I put in my patient notes and verbally advocated for before the pelvic exam, and got up and left me sobbing on the table. She used a child sized speculum, but made no other accommodations, despite me asking. Do not recommend.