Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry The Dark History of Gynaecology - Wendy Kline | Maiden Mother Matriarch 116
Dec 12, 2024
Wendy Kline, a Historian of Medicine at Purdue University and author specializing in women's health, delves into the dark history of gynecology. She discusses the troubling legacy of pelvic exams and the historical exploitation of women's bodies, particularly focusing on enslaved Black women. The episode explores how the shift from midwifery to male-dominated practices has shaped women’s health today, emphasizing the need for better doctor-patient relationships and the ethical implications of past medical practices.
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Pelvic Exam Necessity
- Routine pelvic exams became normalized in the 20th century, especially for American women.
- While promoted as essential, their medical necessity is now debated, given advancements in HPV testing.
US vs. UK Pelvic Exam Practices
- American women often have a designated gynecologist, unlike British women who typically see a nurse or GP.
- Pelvic exam frequency in the US has decreased, but still differs significantly from the UK.
Pelvic Exams and Birth Control
- In the US, pelvic exams were often linked to obtaining birth control prescriptions, creating a two-for-one approach.
- This has changed as the lack of direct medical connection between the two was recognized.
