Church of Body Modification

Health Care Without Shame, by Charles Moser, PhD MD

http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/BIB/hcws/hcws.html

On the 9th page, we read:

“The sad truth is that may people with unusual sexual lifestyles and behaviors including gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, folks who enjoy S/M, who have body modifications such as piercings or tattoos, who crossdress, who are sex workers, who have multiple partners, who are transgendered, who engage in fetish behaviors, are not getting the health care they need and deserve.”

Dr. Moser isn't saying that ALL people with modifications have “unusual sexual lifestyles,” but rather, that some unusual sexual lifestyles incorporate modifications.

The bottom line of the book/article is, communicate with your medical care providers. Don't be afraid to seek treatment. It doesn't matter how the wound, bruise, cut, infection, etc. came to be - just tell the medical professional that it was done under consensual circumstances and you need medical advice on the resulting situation. That's true of alternative sexual practice and YES, body modifications as well!

There I go, advocating communication again! (It's what I do.)

It's interesting because I've not personally had any issues with my body modifications in the hospital. The only thing I had to do during one surgery was remove my nose jewelry because of the airtube that needed to be threaded through the nose. It wasn't because it wasn't “liked” but because it was a surgical issue. When I was pregnant never once did my doctor ask me to remove my naval ring, nor did they in delivery. Most of the time I get compliments in “pretty tattoo”, or “What does your tattoo mean”.

I do agree though that people should get medical attention regardless. I'm not sure why the mentality is associated that all people involved in body modifcation are somehow D/s but eh, it happens in the area of Paganism as well. However, agreed that if one needs medical attention, one should get it regardless of how they feel they will be perceived. In terms of emergency care, they are mandated by law to provide it.

ElloFoto said:

Only time a doctor/nurse has confronted me about my mods was when I needed x-rays, at which point they told me to remove my piercings and I simply said “why? they're organic.. made from wood… x-ray won't hurt them…” and the nurse tried to pick a fight with me about it. “You can't have them in during the x-ray…” was her only defense.

Hopefully, I won't have to discuss my mods with a doctor for any reason other than that.

Damn, Ive never had that happen to me.  I think the only time anyone in a doctor form told or made a statement on my lobes was when i had my plugs out at a chiropractor and she said, “I see you have a bit of psyriosis.”  I have a skin disorder and its behind my ears and a bit in my lobes.  I said with a smile, “Yes.”  she asked if I had taken any medicine for it, I told her some topical stuff.  Then that was it.

this is off topic but i love how many times i've seen people mention myth busters on these forums….itsn't it nice to have a TV show that gives you true knowledge you might actually use?

yeah i said it was random.

I love that show!