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double take
( 8-min. read ) A few months ago, I decided it was time to reconsider my options for contraception. I have always struggled with heavy and painful periods (which contribute to my iron deficiency). I had tried the pill but was unsatisfied with its side effects, and I was now in a committed relationship that made me want to seek out the safest and most … Continue reading double take
Sticky post
saved by the tattoo
( 2 min. read ) I went to a gyno whilst I was living in Spain in 2018, as I’d received a letter from my doctor back home in the UK that I should have my first smear test. As I had European health care, I didn’t have to pay for the test; otherwise, I would have waited until I was back in the UK … Continue reading saved by the tattoo
my experiences around europe
( 3-min. read ) Being an international student, I had the opportunity to experience different health systems across Europe. My first visit to a gynecologist was in Spain. I was impressed by the humanity of the gynecologist. She explained everything to me and explained the different routine tests that were usually done. Then, she gave me a prescription for birth control pills. I use to … Continue reading my experiences around europe
don’t fear the smear
( 3-min. read ) I moved in Sheffield, UK for my postgraduate study last year. During enrollment week, I was registered at the University Health Service Centre, which was on the periphery of campus. After a few weeks, I received an email from the National Health System (NHS) suggesting that I make an appointment to get a free cervical cancer screening. I had never had … Continue reading don’t fear the smear
a delivery that took a turn
( 19-min. read ) Once my husband and I moved abroad, we never thought about having a baby back in the US. We just thought that, if the medical care was good wherever we were, then we would be okay having a baby in that place. So, when we started trying to have a baby here in Nairobi, Kenya, we asked around and found out … Continue reading a delivery that took a turn
we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re having a LOT of unprotected sex
( 9-min. read ) There’s a lot of mysticism around the topic of queer cis women’s sex lives. If you’ve got a queer lady friend, maybe you’ve asked her things like, “But when is it really sex?” or “What’s ‘all the way’?” If you’re a queer woman yourself, your Google search history has for sure at one time or another included queries like, “How to … Continue reading we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re having a LOT of unprotected sex
clean catch
( 2-min. read ) Hello! Last year I moved to the UK to study a master’s program in the city of Sheffield. Whenever I have a new partner I want to be sexually active with, I always make sure to get routine STI testing for safety and peace of mind. So, when I started dating my last boyfriend after I moved to England, I made … Continue reading clean catch
choose what makes you feel the least uncomfortable
( 4-min. read ) I have had several experiences with OB-GYN doctors, and some were embarrassing. In Italy, I’ve had the same (female) doctor for a few years now. And, although she’s always late—and I mean very late every time; sometimes you have to (literally) wait for hours—she’s one of the best in the city. I try to see her once every 3 months, if … Continue reading choose what makes you feel the least uncomfortable
the lady diaries
( 3-min. read ) To be honest, I am not really a fan of going to the OB-GYN in America where there is no language barrier and I’m completely confident in the medical practices. Mostly, I don’t have two weeks to spend in the waiting room, pee in a cup, and be reminded of my weight. So when I needed to go abroad, I put … Continue reading the lady diaries
pap smears & post offices
( 2-min. read ) I come from a part of the world where the body is a very private matter and self-consciousness of our bodies is subtly worked into our lives from a very young age. So, when I stepped into the gynecology room in Paris and was asked to simply remove all my clothes then and there–no gown, no towel, no private curtain to … Continue reading pap smears & post offices
unzipped 