Women's Experiences with Gynaecological Examinations and Debates about Virginity in Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

Key words: Gynaecological experiences, virginity, premarital sexuality, women's health, gynaecological health, Turkey. This study explores the relationship of ideas about virginity and gynaecological health experiences of women in Ankara, Turkey. I conducted in depth semi-structured interviews with ten heterosexual, 23-30 years old, college-graduate Turkish women. Using intersectionality as a methodological lens, I seek to understand how gender, age, class and religion play a role in the correlation of virginity and gynaecology experiences. Five main themes illuminated the participant women's experiences: (1) feeling of inclusion, (2) the effect of religion, (3) class difference, (4) selection of doctors (5) access to information on gynaecological health. Findings revealed that participants define virginity as a taboo and a barrier during gynaecological healthcare experiences. In accordance with the previous researches, I have found that dominant virginity discourse limit women's access to knowledge on their gynaecological health. This study also dwelled on the differences in the experiences of women according to participant women's age, religion, class and social status. In addition to previous research, this study revealed that judgemental comments of the doctors and high fees of private clinics...