Consecutive Interpreting Practice (EN to EN): Sex Positivity

This is my first age-restricted video on YouTube. Scandalous! This script was inspired by all these wonderful conversations I see my friends having about Cardi B’s new song WAP. I even see some of my physician friends weighing in and some really refreshing conversations being had about sex positivity.

This is a written and recorded medical encounter script about Mrs. Sarmiento who struggles with dyspareunia (painful intercourse). During the course of the conversation with her gynecologist, they begin to talk about a recent argument Mrs. Sarmiento had with her husband. He isn’t a fan of their adult daughter’s sex-positive views that she makes known in a discussion about Cardi B’s new song WAP. What sort of advice does Mrs. Sarmiento’s gynecologist have for her?

This script was inspired by my many real-life experiences working with some amazing OB-GYNs

I’d like to point out that this script was inspired by my many real-life experiences working with some amazing OB-GYNs, including not only my own, but the ones I have interpreted for. It’s been an absolute pleasure to interpret for these sex-positive interactions with women who would not feel comfortable to discuss these sensitive issues if it weren’t for their awesome providers!

Please note that this script was not written by a medical doctor and should not be taken as medical advice, it is only a mock medical encounter. This content is not intended to substitute medical advice. Please speak with a medical professional regarding all issues pertaining to medical conditions and treatment.

Script: Sex Positivity

Doctor: Hi there Mrs. Sarmiento! How are you doing today?

Mrs. Sarmiento: I’m well, how are you?

Doctor: I’m doing okay, all things considered! So how have you been since the last time I saw you?

Mrs. Sarmiento: So-so.

Doctor: Yeah, that’s understandable. It’s about the best we can expect these days, huh? Well, my nurse gave you a call with your pap results, right?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Yes! I didn’t know you had a nurse who spoke Spanish.

Doctor: We do! Obviously she can’t interpret for your appointments, but I want to make sure we’re on the same page when you get your test results. It looks like everything’s fine.

Mrs. Sarmiento: Thank God!

Doctor: Yes, it’s always good news when your pap comes back normal. But my nurse was telling me that you’re having some problems?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Yes… it’s a little embarrassing.

Doctor: There’s no need to be embarrassed! I talk with women about all sorts of personal things all day. It’s really hard to bother me or gross me out by talking to me about something. What’s going on?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Well, when I have… relations with my husband it’s been painful.

Doctor: Oh, that’s unfortunate. How long has this been going on?

Mrs. Sarmiento: For a few months now. I just feel like… oh this is so embarrassing…

Doctor: It’s okay, you can tell me. I’m only here to help you.

Mrs. Sarmiento: I feel like I’m… dry… down there.

Doctor: It happens to the best of us, I’m afraid. Let me ask you, do you all use lubricant?

Mrs. Sarmiento: No. Actually, we got into an argument about this!

Doctor: An argument?

Mrs. Sarmiento: It all started with my daughter. Oh my God that sounds so strange.

Doctor: I’m going to admit, that does sound pretty strange but please continue.

Mrs. Sarmiento: Well we were eating dinner and my daughter started talking about this female rapper. Cardi… not Cardi O…

Doctor: Cardi B?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Yes! Her. Now, remember my daughter is 20. Her and my husband always get into arguments because she’s a proud feminist. She was telling us about the conversation everyone is having about her new song.

Doctor: Yes, I know the song!

Mrs. Sarmiento: Well, my daughter was explaining to us that it’s about women talking about being… well, being ready for sex. My husband was very quiet for a little while. He always does this when he’s starting to get angry.

Doctor: A lot of men are angry about the song. Honestly, I think they’re hypocrites.

Mrs. Sarmiento: I agree! My daughter brought up a lot of great points. Men sing songs all the time about sex, but if women sing songs about sex, they’re “whores.”

Doctor: Honey, you’re preaching to the choir!

Mrs. Sarmiento: My daughter even said some men were saying the rapper had health problems and needed to see a doctor!

Doctor: What do you mean? Oh, I think I heard about this. A man got on the news and said that a woman who was that wet needed to go to a doctor?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Yes. My husband finally said something and told my daughter that women like that are mentally ill and need to see a therapist, and that’s where they started arguing. My husband said a lot of ugly things, and I even defended my daughter, but I’m not as independent and outspoken as she is!

Doctor: It sounds like you agreed with your daughter. But how does this relate to your problem?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Well, my husband has been irritated with me since that conversation, and I’ve been irritated with him. He doesn’t think women should have control over their sexuality. I tried suggesting lubricant, but it was after the argument.

Doctor: How did he react?

Mrs. Sarmiento: He said it was nonsense and that my daughter and that rapper were brainwashing me. It really hurt my feelings. I told him that it was painful when we had sex, but he wouldn’t listen to me.

Doctor: Well, you’re right. If you feel like you’re dry and sex is painful for you because of it, lubricant is a fantastic idea. There’s a reason I use lots of lubricant when I use a speculum! I don’t want you to be anymore uncomfortable than you already are!

Mrs. Sarmiento: Exactly. I just don’t know how to talk to my husband about it. We’ve been so angry at each other we haven’t had sex since the argument, which only makes him more irritated!

Doctor: Well. I’m unfortunately not a couple’s therapist. But, I do know an awful lot about sex!

Mrs. Sarmiento: You’re so funny! You’re making me blush!

Doctor: How about foreplay?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Oh God. My husband is terrible! I think because we’ve been married for so long, he doesn’t try anymore.

Doctor: Well maybe that would be a good place to start?

Mrs. Sarmiento: You think so?

Doctor: Well, if he’s not open to store-bought lubricant, maybe he’d he happier about the real thing?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Oh God. This is so embarrassing.

Doctor: Listen, it’s important for you to enjoy sex too. It’s not a one-way street. Your husband needs to put some effort in. He has to compromise somewhere.

Mrs. Sarmiento: He gave me a lot of… attention when we were together a long time ago.

Doctor: Maybe you can remind him of that? Talk about what you miss about the attention he used to give you.

Mrs. Sarmiento: That’s a great idea. I think he’d be interested in that. He can be quite romantic when he wants to be!

Doctor: And you can have fun with it! I like to listen to music with my husband, especially the songs we used to listen to when we were dating. Sometimes we dance together and one thing leads to another…

Mrs. Sarmiento: We used to dance together! I don’t know what happened. I miss it!

Doctor: Well it sounds like we have some solutions to try, then!

Mrs. Sarmiento: This has been so helpful. You say you’re not a couple’s therapist, but you could be!

Doctor: Well, I’m quite happy being a gynecologist. Is there anything else I can help you with today, Mrs. Sarmiento?

Mrs. Sarmiento: No, thank you so much!

Doctor: Well, why don’t I see you back in a month to see how things are going?

Mrs. Sarmiento: Sounds good. I think that will give us plenty of time to try some things out.

Doctor: Great! I’ll see you in a month. Also, can I just say, it sounds like you have a really amazing daughter.

Mrs. Sarmiento: Oh, she’s the love of my life. I learn so much from her and she has grown up to be such a strong woman. I’m so proud of her!

Doctor: I’d be proud too, Mrs. Sarmiento. You did an excellent job raising her.

Mrs. Sarmiento: Thank you, doctor!