When you find yourself with two children in under two years, visits to the gynecologist become a common occurrence. After all my appointments, you’d think I would have gotten used to the peculiarities of the French medical system, but every visit leaves me either chuckling or shaking my head. It turns out I’m not alone in this experience—France has its own unique approach to gynecological care.
Here are some surprising truths about gynecological visits in France:
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Expect Advice on Intimacy
As an overdue pregnant woman sweltering in summer heat without air conditioning, receiving the recommendation to have sex with your husband is not exactly what you want to hear. Known as the “Italian Induction,” this suggestion is quite common in France. To my surprise, it actually worked wonders, but my husband is a bit private about these matters, so let’s keep that between us. -
Prepare for Partial Nudity
In a French gynecologist’s office, nudity is a given. My doctor has an “undressing area” adjacent to the examination table where you can hang your clothes. However, once undressed, you’re expected to stroll across the room to get weighed—far from where you left your pants. It’s a bit awkward, but it seems to be the norm. Even if your partner is present, everyone gets to witness the spectacle, so wearing a longer shirt on appointment days is a wise strategy. -
No Cover-Up Provided
After your impromptu weigh-in, you’ll hop onto the examining table, but don’t expect a sheet to cover up with—because it won’t happen. In stark contrast to the U.S. practice of providing some modesty, here it’s all about the opposite. You find yourself entirely exposed, which is quite a departure from the more reserved approach I was used to. -
Weight Management is Direct
A friend of mine recently visited her doctor for a six-week postpartum checkup. After getting the green light to resume exercise, her doctor leaned forward, pinched her belly, and declared it was time to shed those extra pounds. It appears that French women don’t struggle with weight because they receive frank feedback from their doctors. -
A Mirror to Your Anatomy
During my checkup, I learned an unexpected lesson from a strategically placed mirror in the room. After being warned by a friend to avoid looking at it, I couldn’t resist. What I saw was a reflection of what the doctor sees during examinations—definitely not the most flattering moment, and it left me giggling inappropriately during a serious appointment. -
A Return to Pre-Baby Status
After a challenging first delivery, I worried about how my body would cope with a second child. My doctor reassured me that if I was unhappy afterward, a quick surgical procedure could restore my “pre-childbirth” condition. While it sounded a bit magical, it was clear that this was standard procedure in France, albeit with a few caveats—like needing to be sure I was done having children.
So, the next time you feel apprehensive about your gynecologist visit, just think of me navigating the quirks of the French medical system, trying to maintain dignity while avoiding eye contact with an oddly placed mirror.
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Summary
Visiting a gynecologist in France can be a unique experience, characterized by candid advice on intimacy, lack of modesty, and direct comments about weight. From unexpected nudity to humorous moments in the examination room, the French approach to gynecological care is refreshingly straightforward yet often amusing.