A friend of mine went to the doctor for a cough. She takes both birth control and Zoloft, and when the doctor heard that he asked "So, do you have trouble having an orgasm?" No leading questions, just bluntly asked. She's not even sexually active. Then when he went to listen to her lungs he pulled her shirt up. Most doctors just reach the stethescope under your shirt, but he pulled it up without any warning or asking her permission. She called me because I'm a nursing major and she thought I'd know if this was normal or not, but I'm not sure. The bottom line is she felt uncomfortable and that means the doctor did something wrong. But did he really violate any of her rights?
2006-10-03 12:10:18 · 22 answers · asked by brainy_ostrich 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I believe she can make a complaint to the state medical board and they will look into it. If I were her I'd find a new doctor, one I was comfortable with.
2006-10-03 12:13:46 · answer #1 · answered by Dee 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The orgasm question was probably just tactless; since she was taking the pill he probably assumed she was having sex, and perhaps he wanted to be thorough and see if she wanted to try a different anti-depressant. Or maybe he's been overly influenced by Wellbutrin reps (supposedly it has a decreased incidence of sexual side effects), and is pushing it on his patients.
The lifting her shirt up thing is certainly a different issue. Doctors *should* ask before they do something like this, and as other people pointed out, it may not even have been necessary to lift up her shirt! If she were my friend, I would recommend that she file a complaint with the necessary people, but getting a lawyer involved is just ridiculous. A formal complaint is far more likely to have the desired effect--to make him behave more appropriately with his patients.
2006-10-03 13:10:02 · answer #2 · answered by CoolGirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He did if there wasn't a female in the room......I have certainly never had a doctor do that. I can see where if there was perhaps a recent article about a drug interaction, but then he should have said so. When ever I go for in for a cough of lung issue they give me a paper shirt to wear...that opens at the front and they tell you to leave your bra on. So I think she should complain to the head of the dept, if he is the head, go to his supervisor. Depending on the shirt your wearing they might not be able to hear well enough. I would complain anyway on the basis of his lack of professionalism. Besides you don't know how many other people have complained or have just kept their mouths shut. It amazes me the people that won't complain when something isn't right.
2006-10-03 12:15:33 · answer #3 · answered by WitchTwo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the doctor should have not asked her that question. she was there for a cough not her sexual business. he def. shouldn't have pulled her shirt up ! u can hear the lungs through the shirt. and even if he couldn't he would have to ask her to remove it herself....not do it for her !! if the doctor makes you feel uncomfortable then something is wrong ! also he it was a male doctor there should have been a female nurse in the room while all of this was taking place. if i was you, i would tell your friend to call a FEMALE lawyer....and see what she can do ! it was definitely not right for the doctor to do that ! i would also tell your friend to find a new doctor !
2006-10-03 12:23:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's some pretty lousy "bedside manner", but nothing really outside the scope of what he was doing necessarily. I've had doctors insist on disrobing from the waist up (over a freaken cough) and the orgasm question may or may not have been relevant. This is a tough one to call. Yeah, it's got red flags all over it - but enough to file a complaint? Not sure.
2006-10-03 12:21:52 · answer #5 · answered by Lisa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a former office manager of a doctors office, it sounds totally inappropriate. The question has nothing to due with the issue, prognosis or diagnosis.
I think the doctor, from what you said, acted in a totally unethical manner. He should be reported.
Her shirt should have never been lifted, and if the doctor had any brains he would have had a female counterpart with him. A nurse, etc..
2006-10-03 12:19:00 · answer #6 · answered by The Garage Dude 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Certainly not. He just sounds like he was a bit brusk with her.
It sounds like experience talking when he was asking about her orgasms.More than likely he has had problems with people taking the same medacation in the past and having side effects like being unable to orgasm.
As long he didnt grope her *** or do anything else untoward I would definatley say he just had a poor bedside manner.
Maybe because your friend is under the weather she is being just too sensitive.
2006-10-03 12:18:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt matter what age race gender or any other factor this is not right, i would be taking the matter further. Doctors know the appropriate behaviour with a patient and this is wrong. Actually it is not appropriate for anyone doctor or not to behave this way.
2006-10-03 12:14:22 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say he could have used a bit more tact than that. But the bottom line is her comfort. A doctor is suppost to be a professional. If he didn't act like a professional then she should switch doctors. They always should tell you what they are doing before they do it.
2006-10-03 12:14:15 · answer #9 · answered by Goldylocks 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if she felt uncomfortable, then it was probably out of line, he should definately get permission. If that happens again she should tell the doctor that she's not comfortable with him just lifting her shirt up and tell him that he's being out of line.
2006-10-03 12:19:22 · answer #10 · answered by Aly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋