Women-would you go to a male Gynaecologist?

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I believe, I know, that “they” don’t write news stories about the scores of medical professionals and their patients who simply do what is right every single day. The very nature of news is to shine a light on the very worst examples.
 
In the US, this happens in teaching hospitals. If we do not want students, then, do not see a doctor in a teaching facility.
 
My very experienced Catholic male OBGYN was recommended by my Catholic clinic when I got pregnant. Both my husband and I were impressed with his care, and trusted him with my life (quite literally, having had a C-section). We always had a male family doctor when I was growing up, so I am used to not minding whether the doctor was male or female, just that he or she was kind and knowledgeable. We did allow students (both male and female) into our appointments when asked…but my reasoning was that they need the practice to be good doctors, so why deny them that?

I can understand why one might be uncomfortable with students and/or male OBGYNs. I think the patient should go with whoever makes them most comfortable, regardless of gender. If that’s a female doctor for you, that’s ok.
 
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I’ve seen both men and women.

The best OB I had was a man. He was very kind, and was a practicing Catholic.

I had a bad experience with a woman with very poor bedside manner.
 
If it is the same in US than in my country, the patient have always the choice to refuse students, and often the choice to refuse a man/or a woman, except for emergency, or if no other alternative can be offered.
 
There is no catholic anwer, but you can ask the opinion of others Catholics. 😉
Rozellelily said:
Would you see a male Gynaecologist if the wait time was shorter
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If it is for this only reason, no.
Rozellelily said:
what is your opinion of males being Gynaecologists altogether please?
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No real opinion, except the patient must have the choice if it possible. Some may be more confortable with someone of the opposite sex (because it brings more distance with the doctor), others with someone of the same sex for modesty reasons.

As for me and my experience, I banned them.

Choosing a female health provider is not something that is uncommom or stupid. Some health providers recommand this for some women.
Rozellelily said:
I’m sure that many are respectable genuine people but I can’t help feeling that some of them are potentially pervs who chose the field for ulterior reasons and news articles like the below don’t do much to convince me otherwise.
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It happens, but certainely is an exception.
Some websites/ feminist associations score or share comments of patients, if a physician is often ambigious, then avoid him.

What is more likely is a gynecologist who does not respect enough his patient, does not ask explicit consent for everything he wants to do (they always should), does not provide enough information, or doesn’t take enough time or care.
It is what have been enlight recently in many places in the world, following an awarness thanks to me too &cie. Theses “gynecological violences” can happened regardless of the gender.

There are many settings to consider in a choice of a physician:
  • skills, the more important
  • the consideration of the patient
  • accessibility
  • And some catholics would prefer physicians who are the most in line with their life values.
Haves’s discussion!
The choice exists only for priviledge people , as in many places, the lack of doctors is a reality.
 
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Male OBGYNs managed me through my childbirths and miscarriages and they did a fine job and weren’t creepy or anything.

I belong to a practice that has both male and female practitioners.

My newest practitioner is female and about ten years younger than me and she’s really sweet and has excellent bedside manner.

Really, I want a GOOD practitioner, I don’t care the sex of the HCP.
 
That’s why I said in my original post “I’m sure most are respectable and caring”…,
While most aren’t like this,we have to stilll be realistic.
Even if only 1 in a 1000 it only takes 1.
I have been involved in healthcare (both ends) to observe that doctors go into to medicine for differing reasons.
Many go into it because of a love a medicine and many genuinely want to help patients but there is a good number that chooses medicine for money and prestige factor or pressure from parents.
Most don’t choose it because they are ‘perves’ thankfully ,and ,while the topic is broader than the thread,but I’m just wanting to outline that reasons can be multifactoral to be realistic.

When I was younger I used to be naive and think that all doctors were honourable people who studied medicine for sincere concern/desire to help patients but with experience and age I learnt that doctors come with all different personalities.
And yes I have been ‘very mildly hit on’ in past by some doctors eg:unnecessary comments like “do you have a boyfriend?Am I too old to be your boyfriend?” etc…
 
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Rozellelily said:
I’m having some female health issues and I’m needing to see a Gynaecologist but I’ve noticed that quite a few of them are men.
I’m sure that many are respectable genuine people but I can’t help feeling that some of them are potentially pervs who chose the field for ulterior reasons and news articles like the below don’t do much to convince me otherwise.
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To a GYN (male or female), they may just as well be looking in your mouth. They are professional medical doctors. Your private parts don’t do anything for them.

If you aren’t worried about a male dentist being a perv, you don’t need to worry about a male GYN either.
 
Hmm,is this always the case though?
A persons mouth (dentistry) is not a sexual region/what usually ‘turns people on’ so I mean no disrespect but I’m not sure about the analogy.
Ie:can all Gynaecologists 'switch off like that"-ie:view sexual regions in a ‘feelings causing’ way in one context (dating,marriage) but not in a different context (clinical practice)?
 
I dont want to offend anyone,but don’t think it’s racist to say that some male doctors from certain cultures may carry some mentalities with them.
Of course,most of the doctors from these culture backgrounds are good people and women from those cultures can become “victims” too,but I think it’s necessary it be realistic and say things as they are and not avoid saying it due to PC nonsense.
Also,I come from a non English speaking background myself.

I think though,even being extra cautious and ‘avoiding’ the male Gynaecologists from these culture backgrounds doesn’t protect you as a women because I have heard of “Anglo Saxon” etc doctors being inappropriate too.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Doctor 'asked patient if she liked licking and if she wanted sex'

Iftekhar Ahmed, 51, is accused of sexually motivated conduct. He allegedly asked a patient questions about her sex life while working at Princess Royal Health Centre in West Yorkshire.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk
 
Have you been to a GYN for an exam before? With all due respect, you seem a little naive about how it all works. It is perfectly normal to be a little uneasy about if, if that is the case. If so, you can always bring a trusted friend or relative with you.
 
That’s a good point about thinking like they are mother,sister etc.
 
I’ve never been before to a Gynaecologist ever so that’s why I’m bit nervous.
I’ve only ever been to female gp’s for femal health checks but unfortunately I have dealt with some “inappropriate” male doctors in general clinics before.
 
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It was nothing too bad Thank God but more ‘ambiguous’ stuff like asking if have boyfriend/cheekily asking if they are too old to be my bf and another doctor (immunologist) literally helping to remove my top to do a respiratory examination.
Like why on earth would a doctor need to help you physically undress?
I was younger/naive so explained it away mentality thinking maybe he in a hurry etc but being older now I can see these situations more for what they were.
 
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I’m sorry you had these experiences. What you are describing is inappropriate, full stop. I know it’s hard to think what to do in the moment, but the best thing to do in similar situations would be to get your stuff and leave, then file a complaint with the practice and maybe the medical board.

I hope you’ve seen from my and others’ posts that male gyns can be very professional and excellent, but I reiterate: If you’re truly uncomfortable seeing a man, try to find a good woman. It shouldn’t be hard. Good luck, and I hope your practitioner takes pains to make you feel comfortable; a good doctor knows how vulnerable you can feel during these exams, but will do everything possible to put you at ease while you’re being checked out.
 
You can ask for no students in the US too, it’s just really awkward and most people don’t want to be seen as “difficult”. I had to request that “rounds” be done in the hallway outside of my daughter’s room. They literally had as many as 10 people piling into my 4yos room, waking her up earlier than 6AM and talking about her condition, right in her face, every day. It was getting ridiculous.
 
My OBGYN is a male and I’ve had no issue with it. I don’t think it’s a good line for “pervs” to go into. I imagine they see women who have been riddled with disease or parasites, torn up during delivery or rape, seriously infected, have stuff stuck in there that shouldn’t be there. I imagine things get really gross from time to time. Even those women who are healthy are only young and hot for a small percentage of the time they require gynecological exams. Plus, becoming a doctor (especially one with surgical privileges) requires a great deal of work. A “perv” can just get some porn.
 
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