I actually posted about this on FB last night.
My STBXH was with me for my last procedure, and despite the fact even then we were in the middle of a divorce, he felt sick watching it. And he watched me give birth.
I've basically copied the post because I CBA to write it all out, I've not covered the horrendous smears or anything like that really. Which is a piss take because I've had some procedures done privately (internal scans and a pessary fitted which were pain free)
Over the years I've had some procedures. Let's exclude pregnancy and the dignity loss that comes there.
I had a LLETZ procedure, which if you don't know, involves using a large looped piece of wire to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. I had a local anaesthetic.
Now, the cells that were abnormal were the type that would/could turn into Cancer if left. You know, the type that kills people. So not only did I have that stress and worry. I also had the sheer pain of the procedure. The local anaesthetic itself was painful enough. And despite my telling them, repeatedly, it hurt and I could feel it, I was ignored and made to feel like a fuss pot. I could barely walk afterwards or stand up straight.
I had a copper coil fitted. After two children. "pain free" they told me. The insertion was agony. I remember laying there in the doctor's office, sobbing as they put it in me. It had to be removed 8 weeks later because it migrated. The doctor herself told me after "I know it hurts, if we were honest about the pain, no woman would do it. I won't."
A few weeks (months?) ago I was being investigated for cervical/ovarian cancer. I was terrified.. obviously. (Also all clear) During the investigation they found something and treated it there and then. This time I didn't sob. I just sat there, in stirrups silently crying as they cauterized me and then poured silver nitrate onto the raw wound.
I've had numerous internal scans, where the operator forgets there is a human at the other side and waves that wand and shoves it at all angles whilst telling you to "breathe".
Women who have Caesarean sections are sent home with no pain relief. Fuck that fact they've just had major abdominal surgery. Major. They don't require anything more than OTC paracetamol apparently.
Womens healthcare is barbaric and medieval. The "caregivers" forget that things are more painful and even in different locations depending on where we are in our cycle. (Recalling one smear where they couldn't find my cervix because it was tilted, instead of giving up they kept forcing that speculum in)
There needs a massive overhaul and better "guidance" all anaesthesia options should be offered at the point of booking a procedure. It shouldn't be up to women to ask.
I have another procedure due, one which involves feeding a laser into my uterous and burning all the lining... Under a local. No thanks, I'll be asking for sedation.
No one talks about these things because "they're private" or "embarrassing" but it's about time we did. Female health is essential. On a societal level it costs billions a year, on a personal level it can and does lead to premature death.