Are You Married?

Living with PCOD or PCOS can be a daily battle. From dealing with irregular periods and excessive bleeding to managing weight gain and hormonal imbalances, the journey is far from easy. But what adds to this struggle is the way medical professionals approach these conditions, particularly in India.

One of the most common suggestions gynecologists in India offer to PCOD/PCOS patients is to get pregnant. Yes, you heard that right. The recommended solution to reverse the symptoms is to conceive. But here's the funny and somewhat perplexing part: when doctors want to inquire about our sexual activity, they don’t ask directly. Instead, they ask, "Are you married?"

Why do medical professionals hesitate to talk about sex? It's a crucial aspect of our health, yet it's shrouded in unnecessary secrecy and cultural taboos. My friend recently had an experience that perfectly illustrates this issue. She asked her gynecologist whether she should get the cervical vaccine. The doctor responded, "It's not for married women." Confused, my friend did some research and found out that the vaccine is intended for those who are sexually active, particularly those with multiple partners, not just for married or unmarried individuals.

This hesitance to discuss sex openly can have serious repercussions. If doctors can't have these important conversations with us, who will? The lack of straightforward communication can lead to misinformation, missed opportunities for preventive care, and a general feeling of being unsupported.

Moreover, why should we be pressured into pregnancy when we are already struggling with our own health issues? Excessive bleeding, pain, and misery are daily realities for many PCOD/PCOS patients. Adding the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy seems like an unfair and impractical solution.

Seriously? That’s the best advice you can offer? And guess what, the last gynecologist I saw had my ultrasounds in her hand and still she asked me, "Are you sure you are not pregnant?" I mean, look at the God damn ultrasound. It’s an image of all that is going on in my uterus, and surely there is not a baby floating in there.

That's where my brother comes in. He’s a breast cancer surgeon, and I’ve been shamelessly discussing all my issues with him. He’s been absolutely honest in answering my questions. I also keep listening to his videos where he creates awareness about breast cancer. Now, I’m not saying that most doctors don’t do that. What I am saying is that I have been suffering from PCOD for 18 years and have met as many as 40-50 doctors. All of them have told me to "GET MARRIED". So, in my mind, will a court marriage resolve my issue, or do I have to do the 7 pheras to reverse PCOD?

We need more doctors who do not hesitate to use the words BREAST, SEX, and PREGNANCY and ensure their patients don’t hesitate either.

The crux of the problem is the challenge of getting appropriate and empathetic medical care. As patients, we need doctors who are willing to engage in open and honest conversations about all aspects of our health, including sexual health. We need professionals who understand the complexities of conditions like PCOD/PCOS and offer solutions that consider our overall well-being.

It's time for a change in the medical community's approach to these issues. We deserve to be heard, understood, and treated with respect. Only then can we hope to manage our conditions effectively and lead healthier, happier lives.

Next time your doctor asks you "Are you married?", You ask them "Are you asking if I am sexually active?"

Thanks for reading

💖Love, Priyanka💖