The Gynecologist Explains My Options
by Whitney Rio-Ross
You don’t have many
years left, if I’m being honest.
Amazing how quickly a woman’s window
slams. Now open your legs wider
for me. I understand we should
prevent anything unwanted. But
have you considered? Reconsidered?
If you’re sure, there’s the pill. An IUD.
Condoms with the right timing.
But keep an open mind. Those stories
about the IUD’s are overblown.
All of mine have gone just fine.
Can you scoot down just a little closer?
What does your husband think?
Children are a gift. And a paycheck.
Just kidding. No, I don’t know
about vasectomies. Haven’t had one.
It’s tough losing a piece of yourself,
the chance to make a miracle.
Now you’re going to feel a poke—
might be uncomfortable, but no pain.
Just relax. Did you know I delivered
my own children? I held them first,
before their mother. A miracle
and a paycheck. Our insurance insisted
on compensating me. Can you
believe that? I’m going to press
on the pelvis now. Yeah, the soreness
is around that ovary. Keep an eye on it,
but nothing to worry about.
Where was I? Right—I can’t imagine
never wanting children. Yes, I see
your list of medications, the bleeding,
the seizures. Significant risks, of course.
Probably impossible for you to bear.
But miracles happen. You just have to
let them in. Let’s not make any
major decisions until your next appointment.
Sleep on it. Pray, if you’re a woman
of faith. Talk to your husband.
He should have just as much say
in the matter. You wouldn’t believe
what we’d risk for the chance
to make a miracle.
Whitney Rio-Ross is the author of the chapbook Birthmarks (Wipf & Stock) and poetry editor of Fare Forward. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in Image, Whale Road Review, The Pinch, Psaltery & Lyre, Iron Horse Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her debut collection, thunder makes us, is forthcoming from Belle Point Press in 2026. She lives with her family in Nashville, TN.
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash