The journey to the gynaecologist during pregnancy can be a daunting experience for many women. The feeling of being examined as a vessel rather than a person is a common sentiment. A recent viral post on Weibo highlighted the discomfort women feel during pelvic exams, comparing the speculum to a “modern-day torture instrument”. The lack of improvements in this area has left many women feeling ignored and misunderstood.
Unfortunately, discussions about women’s health in this context are still rare in China, making it a taboo subject. The focus on women as vessels for bearing children often overshadows their well-being. The low rate of epidural use further exacerbates the pain women experience during childbirth.
Despite advancements in modern medicine, the discomfort women face during medical procedures persists. The lack of communication, understanding, and focus on patient comfort contribute to the ongoing challenges women encounter in healthcare settings.
Small changes, such as better communication and simple gestures like using lubricant on instruments, could make a significant difference in improving the overall experience for women visiting gynaecologists.
Phoebe Zhang is a society reporter with the Post