Brain go 'splode.

[lunadelcorvo]

I am not even sure what I can say to introduce this article, as I think the title pretty much sums it up: "We Need to End Non-Consensual Pelvic Exams"

Seriously, how the hell does anyone, anyone at all, not know, right away, without having to stop and consider it, that this is wrong, wrong, wrong? I mean... what the... how... Words fail.

Thanks to virginia_fell for posting this first!

Comments

[celtickittenmew.livejournal.com]

This is so wrong it make me immediately angry. I am TERRIFIED of pelvic exams since a doctor screwed one up and cut me internally, with a piece of plastic that should have been removed from the examination instrument. It was horrifyingly painful. Furthermore, being a survivor of sexual assault I don't want any male touching me in that area at all. The idea of it caused me to break out into a cold sweat, faint, and upon waking, burst into tears in a urologist's office when he suggested that he would have to do a similar exam. So, if I found out that someone had done such an exam on me while I was unconscious (and thus helpless to stop it or say "NO!") I would not only sue for millions I might clock the bastard responsible! Where do I sign the petition to end this nightmare?

[raven-moon.livejournal.com]

I'm with you. I can only imagine how difficult that must have been. I learned early on to take control of a Gyn exam, and I've gotten both push-back and compliments. That's how I ended up choosing my doc! Incidentally, if you need a rec for a really good 'work with me not on me' kind of doc, I'd be happy to send you my doc's info - she's awesome!

I think all we can do is spread the word, write letters, etc. I'd like to poke the med school at our dear uni, and see what the policies are.... No place to start work than right at home, after all...

::EDIT:: that was SO not the icon I meant to use! LOL Fixed!