THE SILENT TALK
We often notice that overloaded information results in assumptions. Assumptions which make baseless stories in our heads. Let’s talk about some of them.
Sex ≠ Gender
“We’re born naked, and the rest is drag.” — (RuPaul, 1996)
Quite often, sex and gender are used interchangeably. Sex is what one gets assigned at birth according to the body parts of the human being. Therefore, the terms male, female or intersex is attributed to sex. Gender, on the other hand, depends on the human being’s experience. Hence, a human being identified as male at birth can relate to and identify themself as a woman. Or some other gender. Maybe no gender at all.
The History Of Gynaecology
To address the biological diseases of a female, a different branch of medicine started gaining importance i.e Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB-GYN). History suggests that this field may have found its roots in Greece around 1850–1700 BC.
Greek female physician Agnodice gathered some attention through her work as she disguised herself as a man to practice medicine. Another known Greek professor named Philista used to sit behind a curtain to deliver lectures to ensure her beauty did not distract her students.
What is scary is the fact that physicians did not have access to the medical equipment to slow down the pain undergone during childbirth or other related procedures. Testing of the equipment turned some sects of people into slaves; therefore, discrimination showed its ugliest face.
As history advanced with technologies, fruit acids were replaced by contraceptive pills. Midwives who earlier only supported the pregnant female started to specialise in this field. Hygiene and safety gained importance which is now supported with accurate data.
The Skipped School Chapter
“Myth is nothing more than ancient gossip” - Stanislaw Jersey Lee
Remember the science classes in our schools? And that specific chapter? Hushed in silence. Played at the speed of 10x. Assumptions around that sanitary pad. Or the blue gel in the advertisements.
We are discussing a part of that chapter again with a learned teacher who will be busting the commotion we have been carrying for years. So, stay tuned for the coming newsletter!
References:
1. Wikipedia article on Women’s medicine in antiquity
2. https://www.aspivix.com/a-brief-history-of-womens-health/
3. https://www.bustle.com/p/the-history-of-gynecology-is-racist-sexist-just-plain-scary-2413138
