“What is it?” Rachel asked, sitting up slightly.
“I don’t think so,” Dr. Vance said honestly. “But I don’t guess. I test. The ultrasound is painless—a small wand inside the vagina that uses soundwaves to create an image. We can do it right now, or you can come back. But my recommendation is now.”
The honesty in the question disarmed Rachel. She found herself speaking without her usual polished filter. “I had a bad experience. A few years ago. A different doctor. He was… rushed. Rough. I felt like a piece of meat on an assembly line. I’ve been avoiding it ever since.”
“Rachel? I’m Dr. Vance. May I come in?” Rachel Steele - Gyno Exam
“Now for the bimanual,” Dr. Vance said, discarding the speculum. “I’m going to insert two fingers and press on your lower belly with my other hand. This checks the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries. Let me know if you feel any sharp pain.”
Rachel felt a knot in her chest loosen, just a fraction. “Understood.”
Rachel sat in her car in the parking lot, the engine off, the succulent in the passenger seat. She had declined a sedative, wanting to feel clear-headed. The paper gown was gone, replaced by her soft jeans and cashmere sweater. But she still felt exposed. “What is it
Dr. Vance pulled her stool closer. “Your left ovary feels slightly enlarged. It’s not dramatic, but it’s there. And it was tender to palpation, which matches the pain you described. It could be a simple functional cyst—very common, usually harmless. But given your age and the fact that you’ve had this ache for a few months, I’d like to do a transvaginal ultrasound. Just to be sure.”
“Right there,” Rachel said, wincing. “That dull ache I told you about.”
Dr. Vance nodded slowly. “I’m sorry that happened to you. That’s not how this should feel. My only rule today is that you are in charge. We stop when you say stop. We talk through everything before I do it. Understood?” “But I don’t guess
“And there’s the left.”
Then she paused.