Kendra, I understand why you may not be able to do a rectal exam. I've had some trauma in my past as well. However, I believe that if I had to do a rectal exam, I would do it. It just makes me feel uncomfortable to have anybody down there, I tend to get very aggressive towards the doctor, but I never refuse.

"...in the past I was referred to some female doctor before I was diagnosed with endometriosis and we were still trying to find the problem. She told me I had to have the exam no matter what and that I couldn't leave the office without it. As pathetic as it may sound, it had me upset for days!"

Let me just say, what the WHAT?? She told you you couldn't leave until they performed this exam on you? And a woman doctor, even? That is horrible. There is nothing pathetic or unusual about getting upset over that! All patients have the right to choose what treatments, examinations, etc. they are willing to go through. All doctors can do is explain why they think you need something--they have no right to force anything on you. I hope you reported, or will report, that incident to someone, and I am so sorry you had to experience it!