Chapter 3: Rising Action
I clutched the crisp white paper gown as I sat in the sterile, modern examination room, counting the tiny perforations on the ceiling tiles. I'd been wrestling with my conflicted thoughts in this stark waiting area long enough to decide that it was more reminiscent of an airport terminal than what should be a comforting gynecology clinic. This room seemed devoid of any consolation. Still, I thought perhaps someone high up in the medical industry thought those perforations would make my time spent here feel more like flying off to a tropical island.
Well, they were wrong. The only thing those holes did was confirm the fact that I couldn’t escape from this place, or the impending procedure, even if I tried.
Dr. Sara Thompson knocked empathetically on the door, pushing it open with a professional smile. She radiated a comforting energy, the warm welcome of a friend's home contrasting sharply with the cold room. A competent and experienced gynecologist, she had her own methods, some considered unconventional.
"Ah, Jen! So glad you could make it today.
How are you feeling?" Dr. Thompson asked, settling into the chair next to me. I forced a smile, hesitant, and replied, "I'm OK. I'm a little nervous, but I really want to go through with this."
She nodded, eyes bright with understanding. "It's only natural to feel anxious. The clitoral smear is not a typical procedure, but it's effective in detecting abnormalities. Rest assured, I have plenty of experience with it.
I promise to be gentle." Her voice was soothing, a wave of calm washing over me. "So, if you could just lie down on the table and slide off your underwear, we'll get started."
Apprehensive, I did as she instructed, lie down on the exam table, and lowered my underwear. My palms grew moist and my heart raced, but I focused on Dr. Thompson's compassionate gaze to ease my anxiety.
It was hard enough for me to expose myself so vulnerably to someone I didn't know, let alone prepared to endure a relatively new examination. I took a deep breath, consciously reminding myself that many women have undergone this procedure and found it quite beneficial.
"Now, Jen, before we start, I want you to know I take your comfort very seriously. Please speak up if you feel any discomfort at any point during the procedure.
I’ll do my best to make this as comfortable as possible for you." Dr. Thompson's soothing voice and empathetic eyes dissolved some of my nervousness. I couldn’t help but notice the framed certificates on her wall, testimony to her commitment to expanding her medical knowledge.
Then, she opened a sleek, silver drawer, pulling out what looked like an unnaturally slender, futuristic spatula.
I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat. The doctor sensed my apprehension, offering a quick tutorial before delving into the unknown.
"This is a speculum," she said, holding it up, "and this is a tiny brush—a little thinner than a cotton swab—attached to a long, flexible rod. Together, they’ll allow me to reach the cells I need to collect.
The clitoral smear technique is less invasive than traditional methods like the Pap test and can detect any abnormalities in the clitoris or the surrounding areas. I believe it is far more effective than what other medical professionals use, and if given a choice, why wouldn’t you want a less evasive approach?”
Jen nodded, her curiosity and nerves intermingling as she thought about this new procedure. She let out short breaths, trying to steady herself.
“Alright, Jen, this won’t take too long.
Remember, I’ll be talking you through each step, giving you a heads up on what to expect to keep you informed and at ease,” Dr. Thompson said, reassuringly.
Jen glanced at the doctor, taking in the confident expression that accompanied her words. It was obvious Sara Thompson believed in her non-traditional methods. That confidence seeped into Jen’s mind, giving her a small boost of hope and trust.
Dr. Thompson approached the table, snapping on a pair of latex gloves. She smiled at Jen, meant to put her patient further at ease.