Sexism, reproaches, racism, homophobia … The inappropriate behavior of some gynecologists is denounced on the internet. Feminist blogs take up the subject and the hashtag #PayeTonUterus launched on the social network Twitter for almost a year continues to tweet. But to avoid unpleasant adventures and find a gynecologist adapted to his personal needs, the site Gyn & Co offers a list of caregivers. The principle: this list is drawn up by and for the patients.
Degrading practices and moralizing remarks
Whether it is refusals to change contraception, moralizing or degrading remarks, or even breaches of respect for the integrity of the body, a large number of women have already been confronted with a form of gynecological abuse. “Many caregivers do not ask us for permission before touching us, do not explain the acts performed, force us to get naked without any medical necessity justifying it, require us to examine the breasts or touch the vagina. systematically (even when we have not mentioned any symptoms that could justify such an examination and regardless of our age or medical history)“thus explain the creators of the project on the Gyn & Co site.
A list of doctors designed by and for patients
Wishing to offer all women the opportunity to choose their caregiver in an informed way, Gyn & Co draws up a list of gynecologists recommended by patients. The principle is simple: each patient can complete an online questionnaire in which she specifies the name of the doctor, his location, practical information on the progress of the consultation and her impressions (positive or negative). Only doctors who have received positive reviews will then appear in Gyn & Co’s list. “We do not necessarily have the same needs and expectations depending on our situations and practices – disability, sex work, drug use, HIV status, polyamory, etc.“specify the authors of the site. This is why it is possible to search for a doctor according to a precise criterion such as the accompaniment of a Cancer, the laying of intrauterine device (IUD or IUD) for nulliparous women (who have never had a child), female voluntary sterilization, follow-up for a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or the practice of a gynecological examination called “English” (see box).
|
What does an “English-style” exam consist of? For an “English-style” examination, the patient is lying on her side. The leg in contact with the table remains stretched while the other leg is bent, the knee at the level of the pelvis. If some women tolerate very well the position most often practiced in France (patient on the back, feet in stirrups), it makes many others uncomfortable. The “English-style” examination partly removes this discomfort. This position is more stable, more comfortable for the patient and often less embarrassing. Still few French doctors practice it, but do not hesitate to speak about it to your gynecologist. |
How to respond to abuse
When faced with inappropriate behavior, unwilling consideration or hurtful words, it can sometimes be difficult to know how to react. This is why the Gyn & Co site also offers advice to recognize abuse and the various remedies or alternatives that exist: as a patient, it is possible to refuse several examinations when they are not essential. For example, vaginal examinations are not necessary for prescribing a contraceptive (except for an IUD), and smear are only needed from the age of 25 and only every three years. Likewise, getting naked in front of your gynecologist is not mandatory. In the event of a discriminatory act or word, you can enter the Defender of rights. If the relationship between you and your gynecologist is difficult, don’t hesitate to change it! You can also go to a family planning center.
The question of medical mistreatment, and in particular gynecological mistreatment, is delicate because the patient often places himself in a position of inferiority: “when we appear before a doctor, it is because we are in pain and / or are worried. We therefore expect at least to be reassured and at best to suffer less. We do not expect in any way to be bullied, terrorized or guilty“explains doctor and writer Martin Winckler on his blog. Since February 2015, the revelation that of medical students perform vaginal examinations without consent on patients under general anesthesia adds to the toll of gynecological abuse. However, among the professional obligations of physicians which appear in the Public Health Code, there are many rules of behavior centered on respect for patients.
Sources:
>> To read also:
Gynecological consultations: 5 things that would change everything
Gynecologist: embarrassed by too intimate questions, some women shun the doctor
Gynecologist: 3 exams not to be missed
Gynecologist: those little ailments that we dare not talk about
