Quote:
Originally Posted by Jinx123
The history of gynecology is a seedy one; furthermore, this history is not common knowledge to the average woman. Couple that with individual sexual perceptions and experiences, and the by-product is a woman who feels adamant about exposing what is private and sacred to her to a total stranger. This is perfectly understandable.
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I've actually studied the history of sexuality closely in university, and I have to say that when it comes to the practice of medicine, specifically the field of gynecology, you're right in one thing--yes, there is a "seedy history" there, but you are doing modern doctors a disservice when you imply that they are somehow equal to those quacks because of that history. Quite frankly, the implication is offensive. The field is now more regulated than it was then, for sure.
Furthermore, there is no need to go to a gynecologist or ob/gyn to get an annual done. My last annual was completed by a young female PA who specializes in family planning. It was a great experience--we laughed and joked the whole time, even while she was "down there" and my feet were in the stirrups.
If you perceive some kind of power struggle between yourself and your practitioner, and that your physician, PA, or LPN is treating you as if you don't know anything about your body and don't need to be educated about your body, you need to get a new practitioner, period. The exam, when done correctly, should never make anyone feel violated, and it should never make anyone feel ignorant, either. It should make you feel like you have a partner in taking care of your body. Ideally, your practitioner will use the visit as a time that isn't just about the exam, but about discussing your sexual health and your family planning practices in general. If that isn't happening, again, find a new practitioner.