As if going to the gynaecologist didn't already feel like a chore, one woman's visit was more shocking than she expected.
A TikToker - who goes by the username @sandwitchbread - has taken to social media to share her recent experience, which ended in a surreal discovery that involved teeth and hair.
While the TikToker found the outcome of her appointment shocking, this really does underline the importance of getting regular gynaecological check-ups, especially if you have unexplained pain and bleeding.
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For he squeamish among you, feel free to look away now:
The video starts with the TikToker explaining she went to the gynaecologist for 'the first time' since she gave birth to her son, after experiencing some 'abnormal pain' in her abdomen.
"And some abnormal bleeding that isn't consistent with my periods," she adds.
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The TikToker notes she knew the pain wasn't the result of being pregnant again, as took 'a bunch' of pregnancy tests which all showed up negative.
After seeing a gynaecologist, the TikToker explains she was sent for an ultrasound scan.
At this point, the TikToker notes: "And I'm like f*ck, I hope this is not a baby because I do not want a kid right now."
As it turns out it wasn't a baby, it was 'something way worse'.
The mother explains during the scan the gynaecologist stopped. "And the second it gets to my uterus, I see something in there and I'm like, 'Ohhh'," she says.
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The gynaecologist then quickly reassured her, saying: "It's not a baby, it's not a baby."
So, what is it then, I hear you ask?
Well, the doctor told the TikToker that she had a 'seven centimere chicken egg-sized cyst called a dermoid cyst'.
"I actually have two, the other is the size of a pea," the mom details.
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The TikToker then explains what a dermoid cyst is, because, well, it's not something you see every day.
She explains: "It's a cyst that grows hair and teeth and is caused from particles of foetal tissue being separated during the development of a foetus.
"So, for about two years now, I've had particles of my son, that I gave birth to, growing in my uterus, teeth and hair."
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The TikToker adds: "So, not a baby." Yep, definitely not a baby. Before she then decides to show viewers a picture of what a dermoid cyst looks like.
People on TikTok were just as surprised as the mom was, with one commenter saying, "Whoaaaa that’s wild I’ve never even heard of this. You learn something new everyday. Are they removing it? What’s the plan? I’m invested Lol."
Well, it seems like the plan is to remove the cyst, as the TikToker wrote in her caption: "I can't wait for surgery."
And I can't blame her, I'd definitely feel the same too.
Topics: Health, Mental Health, TikTok, Social Media, Science