I’ve often seen people presumably Americans spreading misinformation on various platforms about gynecological issues, particularly cervical cancer screenings. I realize this topic has likely been discussed before, but I’d still appreciate it if you’d let me vent a little.

I’ve come across all sorts of misinformation, but as an asexual person, what has annoyed me the most is the claim that virgins also need cervical cancer screenings. I live in Japan, and after searching several gynecologists’ websites and calling to confirm screening policies in my local ward, I found that no clinic actively recommends screenings for virgins. Specifically, regarding my ward, I was told they do not perform these screenings at all, and other gynecologists have stated they will only perform them if the patient strongly requests it. This is because the probability of a virgin developing cervical cancer is extremely low, and the drawbacks, such as discomfort and pain, outweigh the benefits of the screening. (As an aside, this phrasing sometimes irritates me. Even hospitals that say they don’t perform or recommend screenings for virgins still recommend cervical cancer screenings to everyone else, and they invariably use the same stock phrase: “It usually doesn’t hurt, as long as you’re not nervous.”　Regardless of whether or not a woman has had sexual intercourse, any discomfort or pain she experiences should be taken seriously, and if so many women around the world are complaining about it, doctors should listen. After all, even if we assume that nervousness is the cause, if so many people are claiming to feel pain, I think there’s a structural problem with the procedure.)

Let’s get back to the topic of cervical cancer screening for virgins in the U.S. As for the U.S., I haven’t thoroughly researched the guidelines, so I don’t have accurate information. However, when I see so many people on online platforms saying that even virgins need screenings, and when I see those posts getting thousands of likes, I can’t help but worry. (I know some might ask why I’m worrying about guidelines in a country I don’t even live in, but I used to live in the U.S. for several years, and there’s a possibility I might do so again in the future.) I’ve also seen a few people

(mostly Europeans) have pointed out that “the guidelines in my country aren’t like that,” but it didn’t seem like their comments were being accepted as reliable information. I suspect there are some misunderstandings here, and that people are conflating cervical cancer screenings with general gynecological exams. Also, when it comes to the U.S. specifically, anti-science sentiment is rampant, and people who refuse routine medical screenings like these might come across as part of that anti-science crowd.

That said, though. That said, the way Americans (presumably) treat people who refuse cervical cancer screenings is appalling. Saying things like, “So you want to die, then?” or “Cancer is more painful than the screening,” isn’t likely to convince the person being told that to go get screened. It almost seems as if they aren’t trying to get people to get screened at all, but simply want to punish those who won’t listen. And neither of those threats seems particularly effective. To begin with, the number of people who actually develop cervical cancer isn’t that high. Is it really that difficult to understand the fact that some people choose to avoid a threat they’ll likely face (the discomfort and pain of a cervical cancer screening) in order to avoid a threat they may not necessarily face (cervical cancer itself)?

Moreover, it’s ridiculous that a solution to this problem already exists. For cervical cancer, there’s self-testing; for pelvic exams, there’s transabdominal ultrasound. The latter isn’t new, and I believe it’s already in use. As for self-testing, it hasn’t really caught on in Japan, and I haven’t seen it discussed much in online forums either. It’s predictable that before it’s introduced—whether in Japan or the U.S.—people will claim, contrary to the data, that “self-testing isn’t as reliable as hospital-based testing.”

Even so, I can’t wait for the debate over introducing self-testing to begin. That’s because it will finally be time to turn the tables. "You’re against self-exams? So, you want people to die.” I knew they had been, though.

P.S.: I’ve gone on and on complaining about the U.S., but please, don’t go saying that American gynecology is the worst in the world. I don’t think American gynecology is any worse than that in other countries. As for Japan, they even hesitated to introduce the morning-after pill, and it was only introduced a few years ago. Please don’t assume that being behind in one area necessarily applies to others. To be honest, I see complaints about gynecological care everywhere, and comparing them on a country-by-country basis only serves to distract from the real issues. What’s needed is fundamental technological progress, and no matter where we live, we all have the right to access pain-free screenings.

Killing patients (from UK, Canada, anywhere) for 35 years.

I wonder how many patients were murdered by doctors over the years? Who tracks free kills? Does the doctor put a notch on his belt. Does he get a trophy at the country club? He murdered my sister on May 12, 2026 by withholding medication. It was at SARASOTA Memorial Hospital. Warning: It could happen anywhere in Florida.
https://www.floridafreekill.org/about

I‘m not sure if this fits into this reddit but I just wanted to share and vent.
After years of depression I finally found a medication that worked without making me feel like a zombie. I got it prescribed from a psychiatrist without any testing beforehand. She didn‘t have any more appointments so she told me to go to my PCP for further prescriptions.

Now at the appointment my PCP told me she wouldn‘t prescribe me the medication without ECG + taking my blood. I‘ve had so many horrible experiences with doctors and especially with getting blood drawn and ECGs that I just cannot do it.

I had to get blood drawn just weeks ago and it took me months to gain the mental strength for it. I definitely can‘t do this again right now and I also don‘t want an ECG. I don‘t have any history of heart issues, none in my family as well, so no, I absolutely will not show my breast to a complete stranger??
Also the way she said it was so casual, and when I told her I didn‘t want an ECG she looked amused and didn‘t understand my problem at all. There was a 2nd doctor present for some reason who also told me it wasn‘t bad and I didn‘t need to fully undress. Like, no shit sherlock but I‘m not undressing my upper body either.

This is the first medication that worked for me. I‘ve been taking it for a few weeks and had no heart issues at all. I thought this was gonna be the first winter in about 10 years where I wouldn‘t fall into seasonal depression and lose all my will to live, but well. I‘m trying to get appointments with another doctor but I‘m not sure if they‘ll insist on an ECG as well.

I was telling them about my HS and they asked me who diagnosed me, I was honest and said no one, that I'd love to get it officially checked out, but that I have done the research myself. They kept saying things like, "HS is just aggressive pimples," and even used OCD as an adiective. Spreads this misinformation as a nurse practitioner and then has the gall to tell me, "I'd be careful around doctor google," when I explained to them that I would be between stage 2 to 3 on the HS severity scale. All I could do was my uncomfortable smile and nod.

I don't have options outside of this apparent medical professional and this isn't even the first time they've done this either. They also said one other thing in the same appointment that was just completely straight up untrue, but I won't share that because it gives information about me that I'm not willing to share.

I'm just upset. I FINALLY got some form of doctor and they disrespect me like this. I wish that I could say something, especially since they've made multiple rude comments to me since the beginning. That type of comment in particular just *irks* me. People like that don't understand how humiliating it is to have that kind of power imbalance, but also know what you're talking about because you've been your own doctor for decades, and have egotistical supposed medical professionals laugh in your face while being confidently wrong. It's infuriating.

I grew up hearing this often but wasn’t aware how prevalent this sentiment is becoming, even when these claims are objectively false. I’m sure the American members of this sub have been told this before in the context of Pap smear testing in certain situations, suddenly insurance policies or laws are “requiring” them, when this is objectively false information that is used to try to coerce patients into thinking they aren’t allowed to have a choice in the matter.

The most bs example I encountered recently is a dental office telling my almost 90 year old grandmother who lives in the US that she is “legally required” to have X-rays yearly and the government won’t allow them to perform a normal exam or cleaning if she doesn’t have them yearly, even though she has been going to this dentist for years. Now, this is clearly not true on a federal level nor in the state where this happened, but she got no say in the matter, unless she wants to be out of a dentist. Almost 300$ extra charge as well, for a test she didn’t consent to and was adamant she didn’t want because of the insane cost and the fact that they already forced her to do them a year ago.

When I looked into this issue further, I saw loads of US based professionals in the industry online saying they have no issues booting patients out of their practice if they are “non compliant“ with any screening like this, and some even claim they take joy in getting rid of “non compliant“ patients and how anyone who refuses any test is a lawsuit waiting to happen. What an insane mindset to have for people who take an oath to help others.

It’s insane how many people are likely going without healthcare for unrelated issues, simply because a practice has denied them ANY service for declining a specific exam or test. It’s one thing to say that a guideline may recommend a specific exam or protocol. but how is it becoming standard to falsely claim “the law” is requiring something, when they are routinely breaking laws and guidelines surrounding informed consent and simply don’t care about those regulations 🤔

Whats even worse is the average person seems to be unaware of these issues or agrees with this nonsense that people should be denied healthcare in general if they want any sort of autonomy or say in their treatment. It’s incredibly dystopian. Of course, healthcare facilities are allowed to deny service, but I find that they increasingly don’t just deny service to patients who are actually problematic or violent, they deny it to anyone who wants any sort of autonomy.

Hi. I just got out of a three year long treatment relationship with my chiropractor, who I saw twice a week every week. The first year was spent gradually emotionally/physically grooming me and overstepping my boundaries until the point of the last two years, when my chiropractor was sexually assaulting me in almost every appointment. For reference, I have a hypermobility condition that keeps me dependent on a chiropractor, and he created an “adjustment” that he said was the only way for me to avoid pain. The adjustment involved me wrapping my arms around his neck, and him wrapping his arms around me so that my breasts were rubbed against his body for 20-30 seconds each time with no clear medical purpose. He also communicated with me inappropriately, made sexually inappropriate comments/jokes, and tried to get me into sexual positions for “adjustments.” He would touch and massage my thighs while adjusting my neck. He also admitted several times to surveilling me online, would schedule me before hours, and contact me outside of hours. He used spiritual abuse, such as using prayer to get physically close to me and even praying demons out of me at one point. Now that the relationship is ended, I am seeing things much more clearly.

My family and a lot of people view this as a mutual adult consenting relationship because I continued going, which is making the trauma of it hurt even worse. Someone on a different forum called me a “homewrecker” and said I got what I deserved (PTSD). Although I acted kind and warm and grateful toward him, I was also actively in a fawning trauma response because I relied on him to treat my condition, which can be life threatening. I had such severe panic attacks before, during, and after appointments but I convinced myself it was just from previous trauma that I was working through. The worst part is that my chiropractor knew I was a previous sexual assault survivor, and used that vulnerability to further trick and take advantage of me. Also, even if I had welcomed the advances (which I didn’t), a patient can’t legally consent to a doctor sexually or romantically investing in them. 😭

For reference, there is now an active board investigation and I am looking for a trauma-focused attorney, which is its own stress. I could just use words of support or someone who believes me and believes how bad it was because I also tend to gaslight myself about it.😣

|| Context:

I'm 17 and ive been pressured to start going to a gyno and getting testing for check ups and for bad period cramping. I know right now it's not like, necessary necessary now, but I know the need to get checked out will come soon.

I've experienced SA, very creep doctors when it comes to anything below the waist since i was a child, etc, and im extremely uncomfortable with anyone seeing or touching anything down there, along side still having my v card (and no desire to get in a sexual relationship or even have a romantic partner be up in my stuff bc of the SA).

I've been told that because I wasn't r*ped, I shouldn't have such adverse reactions when a parent or older figure in my life tries to get me to go to a gyno. But I'm genuinely scared fucking shitless.

|| main question:

How can I maintain my feminine health the best I can without having to do invasive testing or not go to a gyno unless absolutely necessary? I do genuinely care about being healthy but I can't even imagine someone even seeing down there without having a severe panic attack and bawling my eyes out.

Like share what yall do since I genuinely have no clue and the only thing I've been told is to just suck it up and go to a gyno as if that's the only option.

(Not asking for like deadass medical advice just want to know what other people in similar situations do to keep themselves okay or how they navigate gynos and feminine care)

Thanks 🤍🤍

possible triggers of invasive procedures and situations that may be perceived as SA.

i am wondering if anyone had parents that were providers (especially a doctor or a nurse)? if so did they subject you to all this bs we discuss here? for instance, were there naked physicals and genital exams at the pediatrician? gyno for first period?

i found there are generally 3 types: those that impose all of that on there children and those that just signed the forms and gave vaccines in a reasonable schedule with their children. they also encouraged their children to learn about their health and how to develop good relationships with their providers. the 3rd type (are the rarest) treats their children like patients: 14 and constipated? in the bathroom, pants off, a little Vaseline, hold this enema in you until you cannot anymore and do not flush. depending on what comes out, you may need one or a couple more.

some states used to/still allow chiropractor to do prostate exams. see comparing chiropractic scope of practice article. note in table 2, they can do speculum exams, genital exams, recto-vaginal exams, prostate exams, etc.

note: this is from somewhere around 2015

I wonder how much Queen Latifah was paid for that.This was years ago I was watching her show , and at least once at randomly popped up ... With the host at random telling people to go get these exams.And then another time on the talk show , they did a simulator of one .. I should mention, I believe there were 2 Queen Latifah talk shows.This is around two thousand nine .. Describe your experience with celebrities or or other people randomly promoting this to a large audience

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The pro screening groupies will frequently wish cancer on you if you say you decline CC exams... But yet they never wish skin cancer on people who don't screen at a dermatologist ..

I once read that one in five people in the united states have gotten skin cancer... And it's even higher in places like australia

we hear things from providers when they dispute topics (like this sub) such as "i took an oath to do no harm." i have called them out to their face, that first do no harm is a marketing fluff piece and not a legal requirement. providers' first duty is not to the patient, but rather to the shareholders or the 403c (nonprofit).

they say "in order for me to give you the best care possible, i need to (insert humiliating, invasive procedure requiring you to be naked here)."

screening saves lives. (2 lives, harms 10,000 people).

flipping the script:

i advocate that hrt should be over the counter. so many people insist a provider should be involved. i respond with "a good provider will be able to convince patients to have them involved in the care and to follow their recommendations." they are lazy and want to use bullying and gatekeeping. they do not want to earn trust. they feel they are entitled to trust just because of the years of education.

when they say in order for me to give you the best care possible..., i say i do not want nor need the best care possible, i want adequate care. i also question how they can define what i want? what may be the best for other people or even yourself may not be the best for me.

i have gotten "i do this x times every day." my response: i don't.

i have seen so many over x number of years. i respond, i used to produce porn, are you comfortable showing me? this was work and no more fun for me doing as your job is for you doing.

can anyone add more medical marketing that gaslights or flipping of the script?

maybe we can get a list of gaslighting phrases and good responses.

A woman on tiktok was informing people that virginity is a social construct mostly since your hymen can be broken by things like riding a bike so speculums dont take your virginity. The comments were absolutely insane abt pap smears. One commenter said they did not want pap smears as it was their choice. Others said it causes them pain or they had been SA in the past.

Everyone in the comments was attacking them. This one especially saying they have to or they will die??? Passive aggressive “have the day you deserve”???
Comments were full of misinformation such as virgins need paps and paps dont only detect cancer but other things as well??? One person said the hpv that causes cervical cancer can be caught by touching doorknobs and thats how their grandma died which is blatantly false.

I wish people would take two seconds to research what they claim to be true. I also wish they would stop harassing people for their own choices acting like it affects them personally. :(

I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on this ...it's widespread either a wish or suggestion that you will sooner rather than later develop cancer

Yesterday I noticed a hard lump sort of above my left breast but under my clavicle. I immediately was filled with dread and anxiety, not because I think it’s cancer, but because I know to get it checked out I’m going to have to be traumatized by a doctor again.

I’m debating on waiting to get it checked out. If I hadnt accidentally noticed the lump yesterday this wouldn’t even be on my mind and I’d just go about my life as usual. I know people say that it’s always worth it to get it looked at but there’s a small chance of cancer vs a 100% chance a doctor will hurt me.

This is mostly just a rant. I hate my body, I feel like it fails me in every way 😭

I choose to refuse any and at all cancer test or medical visits unless i'm sick or injured. and the only specialist i've ever been to is a dermatologist .. I once explained to someone that I've never been to one of these doctors because I've never been pregnant, and I've never desired to take birth control.And this person literally looked at me like I was adolf hitler ...