You might feel a pinch

This is a personal photography project by Tāmaki Makaurau based photographer Ainsley DS.

The project aims to put a face to the many stories of women and AFAB people who have had traumatic and/ or extremely painful gynaecology procedures.

“Hundreds (if not thousands) of people report extremely painful and traumatising experiences with gyno procedures such as IUD insertions, biopsies, and LEEP procedures- usually without being offered any pain relief. Many people suffer life- altering consequences from these procedures including long term mental and/ or physical health problems. As the NZ public and media begin to listen, and after the USA has released new CDC guidelines about IUD insertions, now is the time to use this momentum to help bring about a change in how these procedures are done in NZ. I am hoping that by putting a real face (and body) to the many people who have experienced these events, that the NZ health system will finally begin to take these stories seriously. These are not just anonymous stories or myths spread by “dramatic women”, these are real, strong, mature, experienced people who have faced an incredibly traumatic and sometimes dangerous medical event. Now is the time to tell their story. Now is the time to change the way these procedures are performed.”

Find out more or be involved in the project here.