If you are worried about an upcoming doctor's appointment it is helpful to write or call them ahead of time to let them
know your history. This can avoid any misunderstandings and reduce the stress during your visit. It is especially helpful
if you have trouble verbalizing your problems. Bring a copy of the letter with you in case the nurse did not receive it. Make
an appointment to do something relaxing with a friend afterwards. Try to take the whole day off from work if you can.
If you are going to the emergency room request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
Health
Overview and good resources for health concerns of rape victims. Scroll down to read what to expect in the doctor's office.
Understanding and being prepared can help reduce the trauma. It is very specific and detailed.
Medline directory for Rape crisis resources.
For basic facts on any condition: an overview of symptoms and links to possible causes and treatments.
Consumer oriented information about both illnesses and drugs.
The Drug Resource center explains how to read labels and and offers tips on buying medications online.
How to get emergency contraception before pregnancy is established.
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Further information
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(Excellent source for violence towards women)
A comprehensive list of referral organizations. Online sites that will help you find a Doctor specializing in the care
you need. This site also includes a listing of hospitals.
American Medical Association search engine for finding a Doctor.- Find a physician by medical specialty after accepting
the above terms.
Ask a medical question and recieve some general information immediately through a search engine.
This is an article on the best medical facilities for rape and sexual assault victims as well as the disorders it causes.
"Post-traumatic stress disorder, a debilitating condition arising after trauma such as combat, is now recognized as a common
consequence of rape, said Ivonne Zarate, educational coordinator of the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center. Zarate noted that
a form of this disorder -- referred to as rape trauma syndrome (RTS) -- strikes, at some point in their lives, a third of
those who've been raped."
Our bodies ourselves health information.
American Medical Association
National Institutes of Health
National Women's Health Information Center
NWHIC is a project of the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office
on Women's Health
OB/GYN.net's
Women's Pavilion
Journal of American Medical Women's Association
Health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine.
the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), a service of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of
Health and Human Services. The NWHIC provides a gateway to the vast array of Federal and other women's health information
resources
womens health
Planned Parenthood operates approximately 875 health centers in 49 states and DC, serving nearly five million men, women
and teenagers every year. Enter your zip code for the nearest location. Planned Parenthood Federation of America,
Inc., is the world's largest and most trusted voluntary reproductive health care organization. You can get a medical
examination at one of these locations if you don’t have a regular gynecologist.
Contraception
Emergency contraception information (before pregnancy is established).
American Medical Women's Association
How to get emergency contraception before pregnancy is established.
