Never Assume

Dear Doctor,

Pap smears aren't supposed to be that painful. It shouldn't have made me cry and scream in a way I've never heard myself scream before. It shouldn't have been the most traumatic moment of my life. You shouldn't have kept going.

Afterwards you asked, "Does it hurt that much during sex?" I said, "I've never had sex before." You were shocked, embarrassed.

"Oh, I assumed you had since you've been with your boyfriend for so long."

You shouldn't have assumed. You shouldn't assume anything.

You should have stopped when I screamed. You should have communicated. You should have asked.

Please promise me you'll never assume anything about your patients again, especially when it comes to their sexual health.

Sincerely,

Anonymous, USA