Going to the doctor can be stressful for anyone.
Scheduling a routine appointment or going for an ailment or illness can make us feel anxious and stressed. The worst part for many people is waiting in the waiting room while they are waiting to be seen by the doctor. Some waiting rooms can be a bit scary for some patients.
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Some offices are a bit more stressful than others.
For women, going to the OBGYN can be a stressful time.
Not only do we have to get butt-naked and put our legs in those stirrups, but we also sometimes are nervous to have some procedures or checkups done.
There are dozens of times when women think of ways to fix the office to make it more comforting.
Whenever they’re waiting in the waiting room, women often look around and find things that they would most definitely change.
Fortunately, there are some opportunities that present themselves without us even realizing we need them to.
Ryan Stewart, OBGYN, recently asked women for their advice.
Dr. Stewart said that he has the opportunity to decorate and design his office from scratch, so he decided to ask women what they want when they go to the gynecologist.
They wanted to “optimize” their visits and make it less frustrating for them.
Surprisingly (but also not surprisingly), many people chimed in.
Many times in doctor’s offices and doctor’s appointments, women are overlooked and feel as though their symptoms are minimized and marginalized.
They sometimes get turned away for many things they actually need help with.
One Twitter user had a great idea for people in dangerous relationships.
When giving urine samples or any samples, allow people to label their own cups.
In addition, if women (or anyone) are in abusive or domestic violence situations and relationships, using a different ink to specify this can be helpful and save someone’s life.
More representation in the office photos.
Another user on Twitter said to “please have images of Black women in the office.”
Many said that there are so few images of Black women pregnant, or even Black women in general when it comes to the OBGYN office.
Remember there are asexual people in the world.
Sexual activity is a question that comes up many times during OBGYN appointments and check-ups. One Twitter user reminded the doctors that there are asexual people who exist and they are not lying to you that they do not want to be sexually active, nor will they ever be.
Provide painkillers for some procedures.
This Twitter user’s wife requested that doctors offer painkillers when they need them for very painful procedures in the office.
They should be offered to patients when they are going through difficult and painful procedures, and not be ashamed to ask.
Sexual assault survivors may be triggered.
1 in 10 people in the office will be a sexual assault survivor, a Twitter user reminds everyone. This is important to remember when examining patients who may be triggered or feel uncomfortable.
Also, changing the language around assault is vital.
Not all women want children.
Many OBGYN’s ask women when they are going to have children, or even why haven’t they begun trying for children.
Some women will never want to have children, nor will they try to have children, ever.
Last but not least, give us some privacy.
Having to change into the gown and leave our clothes in a pile on the chair is definitely awkward and uncomfortable (our underwear just sits there, waiting).
Giving women a little area to change would be so great and definitely helpful.
