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To expect dd to be able to see a female nurse/dr at the sexual health clinic

111 replies

Bibpot · 23/04/2024 16:46

Dd (15) has attended the sexual health clinic a couple of times before-both times she’s seen a nice female dr who put her at ease, talked to her non judgementally, checked safeguarding etc. We made another appt for her to discuss possible changes to pill and have an opportunity for further advice re sexual activity.

Arrived and were both surprised it was a male dr/nurse who called her through (and the first thing he said was can I speak to dd alone-previous dr asked dd if she wanted to be alone or with me) and said she didn’t feel comfortable talking to him. I explained this and he seemed a bit offended. Said there were no females available. Made another appointment and requested a female next time but I’m a bit shocked that it’s not standard practice to at least be told on booking appt that it will be a male.

Im second guessing myself a bit now-as an adult I would be ok talking to a male and I guess he is just as qualified and trained but it didn’t sit right with me that there were no females available for potentially vulnerable teens?

OP posts:
RagamuffinCat · 23/04/2024 17:04

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

FizzB0zzz · 23/04/2024 17:03

My son never gets male staff.

Yozzer87 · 23/04/2024 16:57

You need to request a female doctor to be sure next time. I've seen many male doctors for issues relating to my reproductive health and you don't get told beforehand, but I can see why a 15 year old girl wouldn't want a man to discuss this topic. Ideally they should have let you know it was a man she was seeing this time but they are probably under no obligation to.

Rocknrolla21 · 23/04/2024 16:57

If there’s none available then there’s none available. They can’t magic one out of thin air. There might have been loads of boys in that day grateful to have a male doctor to talk to for a change. If you have a preference then check beforehand 🤷🏼‍♀️

Herefishiefishie · 23/04/2024 16:57

They can only work with the staff they have. If there are no females there that day then there’s no females.

I think if you were so bothered about having a female doctor then you should have asked to book in with one on the phone and not waste an app because your child didn’t want to talk to a male when you got there.

Ietthemeatcake · 23/04/2024 16:57

I don't think you're being unreasonable at all. I had a younger male nurse for my HRT check and it really put me on the back foot because I've always had a female GP or nurse before. There were things I'd wanted to talk about that I didn't.
I don't think your DD is unusual in feeling awkward in this situation.

Bibpot · 23/04/2024 16:56

Yes I get all that. I probably should have said on booking but following the good experience the first couple of times I assumed it would be the same.

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 23/04/2024 16:54

Incidentally I had endometriosis when I was a teen and was seen by two (male) gynaecologists who were frankly amazing.

They were so helpful and well informed. I was put at ease straight away.

givemushypeasachance · 23/04/2024 16:53

I mean the sexual health clinics where I live provide services to patients of all genders - they do contraception, STI tests and treatment, pregnancy advice, PrEP. I can well imagine that an 18 year old gay man might prefer to have a male doctor to discuss his sexual activities with. Or maybe most patients just aren't bothered (2/3 times I've had a coil implanted or removed it's been done by a male doctor). The clinics can only work with the staff they have, and perhaps only one doctor was working that day. You can express a preference but then may have to wait longer for an appointment.

Octavia64 · 23/04/2024 16:53

You can request a same sex doctor when booking an appointment.

If you don't say they will assume you aren't bothered.

Just say next time.

Newbabyenroute · 23/04/2024 16:51

I think ideally you'd be able to request a same sex Dr but given shortages everywhere, I just don't think its realistic/guaranteed to expect it everywhere for every teen or young person unfortunately.

Sounds like it was handled well though, new appt booked.

Hope your DD gets sorted