I was recently at the doctor's office. I was scheduled to have a pap smear and they tried to give me a male doctor. I told them I preferred a woman and luckily a woman was available. My mom (I'm only 17 by the way) says that it isn't really a big deal having a man do it, that it is there job. I however would feel really uncomfortable (and pap smears aren't really that comfortable in the first place). What about you?
2007-01-29 04:56:03 · 15 answers · asked by Jessica 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I don't mind. My gynecologist is a male. Sure, it was kind of weird at first, but once you get used to it, it's alright. Mine just made me feel comfortable by explaining everything right before he did it. And then I just got used to it. He also carries on a conversation with me during the exam to keep my mind off of things. He's very gental, and if it's uncomfortable, he'll stop.
You should do what you feel comfortable with. But I'm just saying once you get used to something, it doesn't really make a big difference. Don't think guys are freakish just because they are guys. They will (legally) have to have their nurse in the room with them, so it's not like they can try to molest you or anything. They are just doing their job.
I had a woman gynecologist before too, she wasn't all that gentle, and she seemed to not do her job for the most part.
2007-01-31 15:41:29 · answer #1 · answered by Annamarie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a personal choice. My very first visit happened to be at college in the school health center. They did not permit male doctors to do that exam on female patients due to the whole sexual harassment thing. So I got used to going to a woman. I would feel weird goig to a man now after 12 years of seeing a woman. Plus I feel that a woman can better identify with problems that I am having as they have the same body parts as I do. It is not that I don't think a man could be educated enough to perform the same tasks, just that woman tend to understand better.
It is just personal choice really. You can see whoever you want to. so long as you ask the right questions and there are good line of communication.
2007-01-29 15:42:34 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally prefer a female gynecologist as well but I know of some women who prefer a male. I think that what you want should be respected. A pap smear is uncomfortable enough, you shouldn't have to be uncomfortable with your doctor as well.
2007-01-29 05:06:10 · answer #3 · answered by juicie813 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why does it make you uncomfortable? Male gynecologists have to have the most professional manner of most doctors because of the nature of their job. I honestly prefer a male doctor to perform my pelvic exam. Whatever makes you most comfortable during a pap smear or pelvic exam is best though, as the more uncomfortable you are, the more painful the exam is going to be for you.
2007-01-29 05:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Good for you. You honored and respected your own feelings and needs. Bravo. And it is a good thing you are starting out early to do that. I have had male gynecologists - and they were O.K., BUT - - they do not have the same equipment I do. There is no way they could REALLY KNOW what a woman goes through. They can have all the technical knowledge and be a good doctor . . . blah blah blah . . but when it comes down to it - they are not a woman. So, I would rather go to a woman. If you are uncomfortable with anything - I say honor it and do what you need to do. It is all right.
2007-01-29 05:04:59 · answer #5 · answered by Alice laughing 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I have had a male since i was 18 and im now 25. I like it he's like any other doctor nice, funny and does his job. Besides during the exam a woman nurse is always inside the room for my doctor.
2007-01-29 05:21:27 · answer #6 · answered by k_sheena21 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have to say it really annoys me when people are insensitive about these isses. I'm like you, I find it very uncomfortable having a male doctor perform a pap smear. Some people don't have a problem with it, but some people do and I think your mum should try to understand it is a big deal for you.
HTH : )
2007-01-29 05:06:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I work in health care, and i have had both male and female providers, for women's health. I like having a woman doctor for this sort of thing, just personal preference. So if you want a woman doc go for it, but the male docs are good too.
2007-01-29 05:04:00 · answer #8 · answered by eva diane 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My gynecologist's office has both male and female doctors, and I'm comfortable with both. The men are very professional, they do that kind of thing all the time, so you really don't have to worry about it.
2007-01-29 05:07:16 · answer #9 · answered by Julie K 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I prefer a women. Although when I had to see an infertility specialist, I had no choice and had men. They are very used to this and it's just another patient to them. ALTHOUGH...if you don't feel comfortable with a male then by all means do what makes you feel best!
2007-01-29 05:45:51 · answer #10 · answered by Benton 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋