I, a woman, often feel like my body doesn't belong to me.

[cilla4progress]

Is this a unique experience to women? Do other women feel this way? Do men?

It's usually in regard to the medical establishment. Tonight I'm prepping for a colonoscopy. I feel like I know my body and I know I've drunk enough of that awful stuff!

Why am I, a 135 lb. woman, expected to drink as much as some generic 160 lb. man? Is the quantity customized to MY size?

This ties directly to every other women's body issue and rights! We are not listened to nor trusted!

Men can't imagine how frustrating it is. White men, anyway.

[Coventina]

1. I only drank half the "required" amount because the stuff made me seriously ill.

I still was "clean" enough for a successful test the next day.

Just relating my own experience, not meant to be medical advice.

[cilla4progress]

2. Thanks. Yes, I find it nauseating as well!

I haven't eaten in 24 hours and my test isn't till 1:30 tomorrow.

And - how do I say this delicately - I'm reasonable certain, from all evidence, that I'm good to go!

[Coventina]

5. You probably are.

It's hard to believe, but even now, medicine is still male-centered.

My best wishes to you.

[oregonjen]

3. I vomited some of the stuff back up. I'm with you

on the amount. It was too much.

[Hoyt]

4. As far a colonoscopy, just tell them you drank it all. I'm sure it's worse for women,

but I’ve never been impressed by the medical establishment. I’m sure majority practice within standards of care. But, Christ, most leave a lot to desire. It won’t change.

Good luck tomorrow. It’s a nice nap.

[Skittles]

6. I've had three colonoscopies, and the stuff didn't bother me

I do agree, however, that men cannot even begin to imagine the frustrations of being female! It's why we think they are such babies. Yes

is this your first colonoscopy? I found them very routine.

[cilla4progress]

7. The scope.isnt the bad part for me -

This is my 3rd, I think. Mom died of colon cancer at 78. I'm 66.

It's the prep I can't stand!

I'm kind of a small person and I can't handle all the fluid! They should tailor the amount to body weight. I'm willing to bet it's one size fits all based on a standard 160 lb. man, like so many other things in US medicine!

[GoodRaisin]

10. I held my nose with every sip and chased each sip with diet lemonade.

It went down pretty easy that way. I was bloated as hell afterward, but it took care of the taste.

[betsuni]

8. Samantha Bee: Who Runs the World? Apparently This Guy. Meet Reference Man

[cilla4progress]

9. Stunning. Thanks.

So sick of white men being the default.

Look where it's gotten us.

[smirkymonkey]

13. +1000

Ugh! So tired of this. Love Sam Bee and her British protege!

[BigmanPigman]

11. Same here!

Two years ago I had my one and only colonoscopy. My grandmother had colon cancer and survived but it is in the genes. I weigh 98 pounds and I had to drink all of that stuff. I didn't mind the taste, in fact I sort of liked it. But when I got to the 2nd part and had to drink the rest I could not physically do it. I reasoned to myself then to my friend that a 5'1" woman shouldn't be asked to drink the same amount as an adult male. I left about 10 oz in the jug and said "ENOUGH!". I thought that no one else has been irritated by this ridiculous practice until I read your post.

[TreasonousBastard]

12. As to your first question, I have no doubt women feel it a lot worse than men. You are...

judged on everything from your temperament to appearance, and those reproduction hurdles are really beyond the pale. We talk tough, but I wonder how many men could deal with pregnancy and childbirth, especially while hearing judgmental pronouncements about it all.

But, we all have pretty much the same digestive system, and to make sure the colon is clean, the 30' or so of stomach, small intestine, and large intestine have to be cleaned out. The intestines of a thin 5' woman may be smaller than those of a 6' fat man, but not by enough to make a difference in the amount of drain cleaner to do the job.

At 6' 200 pounds, I've had several colonoscopies, and almost never finish the gallon or so of that stuff. It's never caused a problem, though, and all of them were done with no problem.

[cilla4progress]

14. I love and appreciate you -

all!!

Thank you! 🥰

[BoringUsername]

15. I would follow the instructions from your doctor/pharmacist

They have already considered things like gender and weight and if that makes any difference at all in the prescription. My husband had a colonoscopy once. It's hard for guys to drink that much too.