The papyrus provides a glance into early gynecological medicine and unveils the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery in ancient Egypt. The oldest medical text known to man is the 'Kahun Gynecological Papyrus', written by the Egyptians around 1800 BCE. A glimpse into history demonstrates that until very recently, pelvic examinations in women were handled by females, likely to ensure comfort and privacy all the while preventing improper interactions from male counterparts. Perhaps the deepest level of vulnerability in an exam is the genital and pelvic examination. Thus, it not surprising that visiting a physician and allowing for an intricate inspection and examination of our dearest possession, our body, is a source of trepidation and anxiety for us. Michel de Montaigne, the French Renaissance author, puts it well: 'Man is the sole animal whose nudity offends his own companions and the only one who, in his natural actions, withdraws and hides himself from his own kind' ( 1).
It is so personal and intimate that we frequently hide it, as though its public display would be a natural source of shame. It is our own flesh and blood, which holds and sustains our being. The most precious and sacred form of personal information that we possess is our body.
