Tag: women’s health

Current Social Climate in the U.S. and the #MeToo movement

by lavenderbuddha13, posted in Uncategorized

I am writing today to gather my thoughts on the current socio-political climate, the #metoo movement, and current regulations/costs of women’s health.  I ramble on as both aging woman and health care provider.

Working for years inside a catholic health system I came into contact with the frustrating attempt to obtain healthcare for my patients and myself in the forms of simpler procedures like tubal-ligations, oral contraceptives, etc.  The governing of women’s healthcare in both primary and acute care has been ongoing not only in the U.S. but globally. However, we have made strides.  Tubal ligations are now allowed by many of these health systems and you can get oral contraceptives from the health-care providers that work for these institutions, more being covered now by insurance.

On the flip side, we have the worst maternal and infant mortality in westernized countries and I cannot help but believe it falls back on two things: Our lack of care and responsibility for helping meet the basic needs of one another and the marginalization of women. This combined with racial disparities in care (including, but not limited to and highlighted in, maternal and infant mortality).  All of these come together for the perfect storm of current poor healthcare statistics and create a clear message to women that they carry forward in their own healthcare interactions, or lack there of.  These points are such a contrast from the mantra of all life is precious, but then smack of… “only when I don’t have to care or pay for anyone/anything else”, and the resounding “it is always the woman’s fault”, “She should have kept her legs shut” mentality. Shame. Guilt. Blame. Its how we view sexuality and women’s health.

Let me say that these dueling controlling concepts have bled over into care of the aging woman.  Aging women have been shamed and often do not speak of their own sexuality. They do not ask questions. They do not go to see our OBGYN if its not time for an annual screening, or better yet after hysterectomy we like to disappear entirely. When we do speak out, often with anger and years of resentment, then we are demeaned for that.  We don’t know things.  How many times as any primary care healthcare provider discussed more than simply risks of pregnancy or STD/STI with their female patients in regards to sex? Have they ever even asked a patient has been touched inappropriately, assaulted, raped? How would such knowledge change the care and trust-base between providers and patients? Has your healthcare provider ever asked whether you have ever orgasmed? What worked for you? Or what questions you have regarding sex, sexuality, sexual comfort/pleasure/science?

Health care providers, regardless of our opinion on when human life begins, should embrace the #metoo movement in our own practices and bring women’s healthcare out of the closet.  Further, we should become the people our patient’s can trust to talk to about anything. Better dialog and trust is the best way to begin to tackle the women’s health statistics/issues we have in the U.S. Communicate. Be honest. No more judgement. Together(patient and provider), we can improve women’s quality of life and healthcare outcomes.

 

Questions for the ladies…

by lavenderbuddha13, posted in Uncategorized

Hello Ladies! Happy Monday!
We just have a few questions that we really need your help on…

  1. What is the one thing you feel like your health care provider should ask you about but has not?
  2. What do you not feel ‘heard’ concerning with your health care provider?
  3. If you have an amazing health care provider… what have they done to earn such a rating from you?
  4. Do you wish your healthcare provider would discuss sex and aging with you as a woman? Why or why not?

Thanks for those of you who have helped us out before.  We are trying to get a better perspective of what women need that they might not be getting in a healthcare visit.

Thanks,

Lavender Buddha

Menopause Resources from ACOG

by lavenderbuddha13, posted in Menoapuse, Sexual Health, Uncategorized

In looking for legitimate, non women’s fashion magazine type resources, on menopause the first place to start is with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).  I will be the first to admit that there needs to be more coverage, emphasis, and discussion with women after menopause because life continues (for many years) and this is an area often glossed over by other primary care providers. However, ACOG is making an effort to improve the discussion.  The problem is, many women, once menopausal think they do not need their OBGYN any more… this is simply not true, but another discussion entirely.

Note that menopause is the event of menses stopping (cessation of menstruation).  After that you are post-menopausal.  Prior to that, with all of the fun symptoms you are peri-menopausal.

Here are some resources and links from ACOG concerning menopause and beyond with a small evaluation and grade of each:

Menopause Group for women – There is a number here to call and a link back to their Menopause page.  The wording is a little demeaning if you ask me… because yes all women should aim for ‘strength and grace’? Seems sexist… I bet they don’t write that crap to men.  However, it is available and might be a good place to start. *NOTE That the link is broken and doesn’t work and takes you only to the ACOG home page, which you then have to move around in yourself.  Grade – C-

The Menopause Years – ACOG’s FYI guide for all women.  Last updated 2015. Not bad.  Good clear scientific definitions of terms that might be thrown around in an office visit and major noted changes. A brief overview of the standard with a good ‘down and dirty’. No discussion of changes for sexual intercourse, or things that are often anecdotally associated with menopause that are not related, or when to talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Grade – B-

Sexual Health – This page has links for providers and patients.  One key link is to the Your Sexual Health page at ACOG. This page is actually one of the better pages for all women.  It’s clinical in nature without being overly so.  A good list of common problems and causes is there with some good suggestions.  Adding a link to or more on ‘masturbation’ and permission to touch one’s self would be a good as well as links to types of sex toys or lubricant information, but otherwise a good jumping off point.  They get kudos for this page. Grade – B+

Just some places to start.  Information is accurate.  For a deeper dive right now it is going to be a clinician who specializes in menopause, sexual health, or women’s fashion magazines.