I didn't anticipate apologizing again so soon.
The recent launch of "Just Ask" on Jan 1st, has been a huge eye opener for Taboos.
Despite being an OB/GYN and giving full attention to my patients, I overlooked the deep personal struggles they endure outside my office.
It is a common day practice to call and let patients know "We detected "some abnormal" cells on your pap smears, yes related to HPV, but that there's no intervention needed until we repeat the pap smear again in one year." Embarrassingly, I missed the extent of the burden these calls placed on women. Despite the fact that the virus clears in about 90% of cases,
It is a common day practice to call and let patients know "We detected "some abnormal" cells on your pap smears, yes related to HPV, but that there's no intervention needed until we repeat the pap smear again in one year." This is a routine call for women who come in for their annual exam, and we find mild changes on the screening we do for cervical cancer screening. 90% of women are able to clear these minor changes. However, embarrassingly, I was unaware of the scope of the burden I was placing on these women.
Recent research opened my eyes to patients' reliance on online forums for answers about their future sex life and other deep fears linked to HPV. This oversight highlighted a crucial gap in patient care, revealing the unseen impacts of an HPV diagnosis.
In just a week, Taboos' "Just Ask" initiative has unveiled a wide range of questions, from basic to deeply personal, across all ages. A 14-year-old grappling with the complexities of unplanned unprotected sex, a 52-year-old confronting long-held mental health stigmas – these are just glimpses into the diverse tapestry of concerns. This response is a stark reminder that regardless of our age or lifestyle, these issues are universal.
Common themes have emerged: fear of stigma, lack of accurate information, and a cry for help often unmet by current healthcare systems. These inquiries aren't just questions; they're a window into the silent struggles faced by many.
Research supports our findings. The World Health Organization reports millions of new STI cases daily, highlighting a global health concern. Meanwhile, Mental Health America reveals that over 50% of adults with mental illness receive no treatment. These statistics mirror the concerns raised through "Just Ask", underscoring a global health crisis.
If our collective voice is this strong, it begs the question: Is the healthcare system really addressing these needs? Stories shared through "Just Ask" suggest a gap between healthcare services and the real, human experiences of those they aim to serve. We must ask ourselves: are we doing enough?
The psychological impact of STI diagnoses, particularly HPV, further validates the concerns highlighted by the "Just Ask" movement. A study conducted by McCaffery et al., delves into the social and psychological ramifications of testing positive for HPV. Women in this study described feeling stigmatized, anxious, and stressed, particularly about their sexual relationships and the prospect of disclosing their HPV status to others. The study emphasized that the impact of an HPV diagnosis was not only linked to the health-related implications but was deeply intertwined with social and cultural norms and practices around sex and relationships, as well as the individual's understanding of HPV itself.
This is more than a conversation starter; it's a call to action. Spread the word about "Just Ask" - I am learning through this process, health burdens, small or big, do not discriminate. By sharing these insights, we advocate for a world where no question is too small, no concern too trivial.
Do you have a question to ask? or do you have know someone who would benefit from an anonymous platform?
Create a free Reddit account and join our subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DoctorTaboos/
or go to our homepage and ask an anonymous question there!
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