Social media is a way for patients to share their experiences within the healthcare system, including office gynecologic procedures like endometrial biopsy (EMB), cervical biopsies with colposcopy and intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Patients are describing their experiences as “traumatic”, and lacking in empathy, informed consent, transparency about instruments being used (i.e. the tenaculum and cervical biopsy forceps), and adequate pain control. There are also numerous stories on social media of patients expressing pain/discomfort during an exam or procedure, with providers doing nothing to alleviate the pain, and often minimizing their complaints.

Despite what the medical field thinks of social media and its role in healthcare, the fact remains that patients are publicly sharing their experiences. While some may argue that using social media to discuss negative experiences may keep others from getting necessary care, we argue that this problem has long existed, as evidenced by the numerous scholarly and nonscholarly articles addressing this topic. We must consider that the field of ObGyn involves the care of patients at very vulnerable times in their lives with its providers having direct interaction with the most private and intimate parts of their bodies. Patients may feel vulnerable and embarrassed, have a history of sexual trauma or prior negative experiences with gynecologic exams or procedures, or have heard of painful, negative experiences from friends and family members. This contributes to the anxiety and fear over something as seemingly simple as a pap smear. If they also feel that their provider is dismissing their pain needs or not fully informing them on what to expect during these routine procedures, the physician-patient relationship will be strained, and patients will avoid necessary care.

We believe the field of ObGyn can prevent a lot of unnecessary patient pain, dissatisfaction and distrust by giving them realistic informed consent and changing the standard of care so that pain control during office gynecologic procedures becomes a priority.

Stitch w/ @fernprincess on IG.
 
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I am a double board certified ObGyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist focusing on the care of people with maternal and/or fetal complications of pregnancy. I discuss hot topics related to fertility, pregnancy and the postpartum period, and do a little myth-busting and fact-checking to keep things real! Not only am I a doc, but I was also a patient who had infertility, a high-risk twin pregnancy and preterm delivery, and NICU stay at age 43 as a first-time mom--so I GET IT! Leave requests for new topics in comments!
 
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#gynecology #paincontrol #iud #endometrialbiopsy #colposcopy #gynecologist #gyn

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