A question for the ladies. How would you feel if you had a male OB/GYN?

Question

I was thinking about becoming one but I think that some women would may be a tad bit uncomfortable.

Answer 1

I seek out male OB/GYN's. I am not one bit uncomfortable with a male and I've actually found men to be more gentle than women. The women I have seen just kinda JAB at me without a word and are short tempered. The men always gently say "You'll feel my touch and then a bit of cramping". And I've never had a male dr. go PMS on me. And to be honest, I guess if I was to have a person look at my private parts, I'd prefer a man do it. Call me homophobic but it's what I am personally comfortable with.

Answer 2

Both my pregnancies i have had male OB/GYN, i am in Australia and go to public hospital so i get a different person everytime. I don't find it uncomfortable. I find the ones i have had are very professional and experienced in what they do. I was a bit more stand offish about it first time round, but i'm fine with it now. I think you will find, some people may be uncomfortable with it but a lot wouldn't be. There seem to be more male than female OB/GYN at the hospital i go to.

Answer 3

It's more common for men to be OB/GYN's than women, in my experience. When I was pregnant, I started off with a female OB/GYN, but I switched due to insurance reasons around the 5th month. The office that I switched to had 3 male doctors and a female midwife. I alternated between the midwife and one of the dr.s, and the male dr was the one who delivered my son. I was so much happier with the second office than with the first. I was always uncomfortable with the lady I was seeing before, not because she was a bad doctor, but because of her attitude and personality.

So I guess what I mean is, if you have a good 'bedside manner' then it doesn't matter what gender you are. Men make just as good OB/GYN's as women.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Interesting question. I think you're right that some women are a "tad uncomfortable" with a male OB/GYN but that's a minority...and many of those same women would be uncomfortable with a male doctor in any specialty that required them to disrobe... even general practice physicians!

I'm not sure why, but I'm actually more uncomfortable with most female doctors. I saw a male and a female OB/GYN (shared practice) when I was pregnant with my son...I loved the male (and was thrilled he was the one that delivered my son) but I couldn't stand the female (I wanted to throw a vase at her when she came to the hospital to discharge me!). In the past, I've also seen three other female doctors (OB/GYN, internal medicine, and GP)...and I didn't like any of them either. My current GP is a male and he also does my gyn. work. The only female doctor I ever liked was my son's first pediatrician!

I don't think I'm alone (given some of the other posts). Some people DO believe that women can't (or shouldn't) be doctors. Others, like myself, have other issues. I have a doctorate in a male dominated field...competency isn't the issue for me I think it has something to do with the nature of female relationships. Every female doctor I've ever seen got "too chummy" with me...offered advice I didn't want or tried to sell me in that "hey girlfriend" sort of way on something she thought was important. Male doctors, perhaps because they share your concerns, tend to be more reserved with female patients and personally, I prefer that.

Answer 5

I actually have a male OB/GYN right now. He is a great doctor. I was a little concerned that I might feel awkward, I had a female OB with my first pregnancy. However, once I met the doctor I felt totally comfortable. He is very professional and he really knows his stuff. I think it is very likely you will encounter some women who will not use a male OB, but you shouldn't have any problems filling your practice :)

Good luck to you

Answer 6

The OB/GYN that I visit is a man, he is very professional, kind, and skilled at what he does. There is no other OB/GYN in my area that I would trust as much as him. Sure I know some women who are umcomfortable with a man being "down there" but most women just want you to know what your doing. I hope to be a midwife some day, so good luck!

Answer 7

Most OB/GYNs are male. Some women have a preference, but I really prefer a male. I can't tell you why, I just do.
Bedside manner is the most important thing. And for the record, I'm kinda creeped out that anyone does that nasty stuff for a job.

Answer 8

I go to a group practice where 2 are men and 2 are women. I actually like seeing the men better. It's weird - it's like sometimes the women (who have both had children) act like I am just whining if I ask questions about my symptoms. And I try really hard NOT to whine, but just ask the question. I want to say, "Look - I know morning sickness isn't fatal and that you have probably experienced it, but seriously -- I am not a doctor. What can I do to alleviate symptoms/ what can I expect, etc." The male doctors always just address my questions and try to be helpful. I'm sure this isn't true of all docs, but it's been my experience so far.

I will say that when I was younger (like 17, 18) I preferred female doctors. After a couple of appointments, it didn't matter to me anymore. Good luck!

Answer 9

I had one for all three of my children and loved it. He was an older gentleman and more like a father or grandfather. I found it very calming and assuring especially for the first time or two when you don't really know what to expect. By the way, I had complications the first time and had to stay in the hospital a week and even longer to recover at home.

I think I would also like a woman because it would be more like "girl talk" with her. I've been to nursing school and know that there is no such thing as a perfect pregnancy or anything else in life. She would probably know more about what I was actually feeling than any man would.

Answer 10

Nah, anyone goes to a doctor with the expectation that its a professional, and theyve seen hundreds of whatever your uncomfortable about before. If thats what you want to do, go for it, youll have patients, dont worry. most women get so used to a gyno, that its not even a concern, some would choose a woman, alot dont really care, its really not any more comfortable either way as far as im concerned, its still a person you dont know probing around up in there, we just want it over with, may you be a man or woman dr.