While there is definitely an issue of women receiving worse treatment, the providers have good reasons to ask; namely there are a lot of tests where they have to know if you could be pregnant before they can run them, even an X-ray. If you just tell them you're pregnant up front, then they can save you a blood draw for an HCG test. Otherwise, they probably will, to make sure.

Edit: This blew up, so I wanted to clarify something. This is clearly a very common and frustrating experience for many women who may feel bullied into giving up private information. I don't want anyone to think that they must answer all the doctor's questions. You have a right to refuse to answer questions and to refuse care. Read the rest of the thread and stay informed of your rights.

"I can't help you until you lose weight!"

I went into the ER in Alabama about 20 years ago, and the nurse at intake didn't even look up when I said there was a hatchet stuck in my leg and started asking if I was a smoker and what my race was.

"And before we begin, please step on the scale so we can give you diet advice you have definitely not heard a million times before."

Nah, you're just over reacting and emotional. It's just a flesh wound. I don't know why you would get so worked up about this!

I'm too young to be sick! Too healthy 'looking'! Like the fuck. You want me to put on some corpse makeup so you'll take me seriously? Mom's friend had breast cancer and they caught it late because she always dressed well, but I'm dressed like a slob and just told I'm lazy instead!!

Hrghghghghhgg

You know I get the joke, I really do. But how hard is it to understand that many people with trauma require a CT scan prior to surgery, which absolutely can radiate and embryo and cause birth defects? Is it really so far-fetched that someone might be pregnant and not know or not want to admit it?

Really, we should just remove the mandatory pregnancy tests before giving medical care to women, and instead inform them before a procedure, that can affect a pregnancy, what the risks are and offer a free pregnancy test before scheduling the procedure.

Every fucking time I see anyone other than my primary and OBGYN, despite having a hysterectomy three years ago. Read my chart if you don't want me to make it weird for you.

it's important to ensure they don't administer some medications to pregnant women.

however, the amount of times doctors have systematically dismissed their patients opinions when they have a vagina is outrageously high.

Don't certain medications interfere with your hormones? Doesn't a period change your hormone balance?

Asking when someone's last period was in the process of a diagnosis seems reasonable.

Yesterday I was standing in the baggage claim customer service desk at the airport, and the woman in front of me was asking about a missing bag. The guy asked to see the bag she had with her and asked her what was inside. She said “Why would you need to see my bag? It has nothing to do with you. The tags on it are clearly from a different airline, and it wasn’t involved in this flight in any way.” She was just holding it for a friend who stepped away.

He just kept insisting “I need to see your bag.” “Why?” “I need to see your bag.” “I’m not showing you my bag, it’s none of your business.” He kept reaching for it.

I thought it was absolutely insane and couldn’t wrap my head around it. Eventually I realized it was because she was a woman that he was being such an obstinate prick. She eventually capitulated, and in my male privilege I thought “Uh uh, make a scene! What’s he going to do? He isn’t a cop!”

Life can be bullshit sometimes.

Honestly sometimes I'm glad people mistake me for a cisguy so I don't have to deal with this bullshit.

Not often, but sometimes.

I'd trade it for passing in a heart beat.

Fake, he didn't say it was psychosomatic and offer Zoloft

Correct answer: "Period of what?"