When it comes to women’s health, modesty, privacy, and dignity aren’t optional extras, they’re essential. For Muslim women, these values aren’t just personal preferences; they’re tied to faith, identity, and comfort.

Unfortunately, not every healthcare provider is trained in cultural or religious sensitivity. And while it should be the system’s job to provide care that meets your needs, the reality is that sometimes you need to advocate for yourself. This is especially important for menstrual and intimate health concerns, where feeling safe and respected is non-negotiable..

So, how do you make sure your care is both medically sound and culturally respectful?

Practical Steps to Advocate for Yourself During Medical Care

The following steps can help you advocate for yourself while maintaining your comfort, privacy, and faith.

1. Speak Up About Your Preferences
You are allowed to request care in a way that aligns with your values. If possible, ask for a female clinician for any intimate exams.
If a male provider must be involved, request a female chaperone to be present.
These requests are common in many hospitals and clinics, and you don’t need to feel guilty for making them.

Also, if your provider recommends an invasive exam (such as an internal pelvic exam, biopsy, or imaging with contrast), it’s completely acceptable to ask why it’s needed now, what risks it carries, and whether a less invasive option could give similar information.

2. Ask About the Process Before It Happens
Feeling anxious before a medical exam is natural, especially if it involves sensitive areas. One way to reduce that stress is to know exactly what will happen.
Ask which clothes need to be removed and when they’ll be replaced.
Inquire about how the procedure will be done and what sensations to expect.

If the procedure is invasive, ask:
• What is the specific purpose of this test?
• How will it change or guide my treatment?
• Are there non-invasive alternatives, like ultrasound or symptom monitoring, that could be tried first?

The more you know, the less vulnerable you’ll feel, and the better you can weigh whether the benefits of the exam truly outweigh the discomfort or risk.

3. Keep Your Modesty in Mind
You have every right to maintain your modesty during care: Let your provider know if you’d like to keep your hijab and/or other clothing when possible and to uncover only what’s necessary for the examination.
For invasive exams, this is especially important: ask that only the area being examined is exposed and for as short a time as possible.

4. Protect Your Privacy
If the clinic space feels too open, ask for curtains to be drawn fully or for a more secluded space.
You can also request that the number of people in the room be limited to those essential for your care, especially for sensitive or invasive procedures.

5. Express Concerns Without Shame
It’s okay to say, “That feels uncomfortable,” or “Can we pause for a moment?”
Menstrual concerns, vaginal discharge, and related issues are extremely common, you’re not alone in experiencing them. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s part of caring for the trust Allah has given you over your body.

When a test or procedure feels unnecessary, it’s also okay to say, “I’d like to think about this and discuss it at my next appointment,” unless it is medically urgent.

6. Use Ready-to-Go Phrases
Having a few lines prepared can make self-advocacy easier:
“I would like to keep my hijab on and uncover only what’s necessary.”
“Could you explain each step before you begin?”

“Are there less invasive tests that could give us the same information?”
“May I have more privacy, perhaps a screen or curtain?”

Self-Advocacy Checklist for Appointments

You can save this checklist to your phone or print it so you feel prepared before discussing menstrual or intimate health concerns.

Before the Appointment
Write down your main concerns or symptoms (e.g., changes in discharge, cycle irregularities, pain).
Decide if you want a female provider or a female chaperone.
Note any religious or modesty preferences you want to mention.

When You Arrive
Inform the receptionist or nurse: “I would like a female clinician for my exam if possible.”
If not possible, say: “I’d like a female chaperone present.”
Request a private space and ensure curtains/screens are closed during the exam.

During the Exam
Ask: “Could you explain what will happen before we start?”
If the test is invasive, clarify its purpose, urgency, and possible alternatives.
Keep your hijab or modest clothing on whenever possible.
Uncover only the area being examined.
Speak up if something feels uncomfortable: “Can we pause for a moment?”

After the Exam
Ask for clear explanations of your results or diagnosis.
Request written instructions for any treatment or follow-up.

Seek information on whether the requested procedures or recommendations are permissible from an Islamic point of view and clarify any religious rulings you may need to follow up on.

Advocacy Is Not Confrontation

Advocating for yourself doesn’t mean being combative, it means being clear about your needs and standing firm in your boundaries.

Yes, it can be frustrating that healthcare systems don’t always prioritize culturally sensitive care. And yes, it’s valid to wish things were different. But until this becomes the norm, these skills help ensure your dignity is preserved.

Your health is precious. Your comfort is important. And your faith deserves to be respected. You are worthy of compassionate, respectful care, and speaking up is one of the most powerful tools you have to make sure you receive it.

We’ve also published an article, in collaboration with a clinical nurse, detailing what Muslim women can request during hospital deliveries. You can read it here. 

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