When you welcome two little ones into the world within a span of just two years, your visits to the gynecologist become a familiar routine. After countless appointments, you’d expect to be accustomed to the French way of handling things, but each visit seems to leave me either chuckling or shaking my head. It turns out I’m not alone in my experiences; it’s a common theme in France. So, let’s delve into some enlightening truths about gynecological visits in France.
1. Sex is Part of the Prescription.
As if being overdue in the summer heat isn’t challenging enough, my gynecologist had a rather unconventional suggestion: he recommended I have sex with my husband to encourage labor. Dubbed the “Italian Induction” in France, it worked wonders for me. Just don’t tell my husband—I think he prefers to keep that part private.
2. Get Ready to Strut Your Stuff.
In a French gynecologist’s office, nudity is as common as breathing. My doctor has a designated “undressing area” right next to the exam table, where you hang your clothes. Once you’re undressed, you’re expected to walk across the room to the scale for your weight check, completely exposed. And yes, this applies if your partner is there too. So, a tip: wear a long shirt on appointment days!
3. No Cover-Ups Here.
After weighing in, you hop onto the examination table, but don’t expect a sheet to cover up with. Unlike in the U.S., where you’re provided privacy and a gown, here in France, you might as well be on stage. This oddity makes me question why we’re so shy back home—embracing nudity at the doctor’s office seems to be the norm here.
4. Weight Loss Talks Are On the Table.
A friend of mine recently went for her six-week postpartum checkup and, after receiving a clean bill of health, she asked about exercising again. To her surprise, her doctor pinched her belly and said, “Yes, you should; time to lose this.” This straightforward approach seems to be common—another reason why the stereotype of “French women don’t get fat” persists.
5. Get Ready for a Mirror Surprise.
While chatting with friends who shared the same doctor, one warned me to avoid looking in the strategically placed mirror during my exam. Naturally, I couldn’t resist taking a peek, and let’s just say, it wasn’t the most comfortable moment. The laughter that ensued made it even more awkward, proving that some experiences are simply better left unobserved.
6. A Promise of Restoration.
After my first daughter’s challenging birth, I had concerns about my body for the second round. My doctor assured me not to worry; if I wasn’t satisfied with the aftermath, a quick surgery could restore everything back to pre-baby condition. He claimed this was standard practice in France, leaving me both relieved and bewildered. Who knew regaining your “virginity” could be part of the gynecological experience? Well, that definitely redefines “born again virgin.”
So, the next time you’re feeling anxious about your gynecologist appointment, remember my amusing escapades in France—waddling around the office in my birthday suit while trying to dodge eye contact with a rather awkward mirror. For more insights on navigating pregnancy and related topics, check out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, boost your fertility with reputable products.
Summary:
Visiting a gynecologist in France comes with its own set of humorous and surprising customs. From unconventional advice about intimacy to the lack of modesty in the office, these experiences are certainly memorable. Whether it’s discussing weight loss bluntly or offering surgical restoration options, the French approach to gynecological care is refreshingly different.
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