and that just because you prefer to have someone of the same gender does not mean that it's because you think the opposite sex HCP is going to be attracted to you? And that there are plenty of valid reasons why someone would prefer to see someone who is the same sex?
I admit this was inspired by a couple of threads, but some of the replies on one thread in particular annoyed me. There was this train of thought that a woman would only refuse to see a male gynecologist for instance because she would somehow think that he was attracted to her or having sexual thoughts about her.
There were lots of replies saying things like "out of all the women he sees, what makes you so special that he would be attracted to you?" and "who cares, get over it". I've also seen similar in other places.
But AIBU to think there is nothing wrong with wanting to have someone who is the same sex as you for intimate exams?
I am one of those people who would (and have done) refused a male gynecologist. I would refuse a man for any intimate exam. Even if it means waiting longer to get seen to then that's okay with me, I'm happy to wait.
It's not because I think I'm hot and that he will be eyeing me up. I would have no problem with a lesbian performing a intimate exam on me and likewise I would also refuse to have a gay man examine me. So it's certainly not a sex thing.
I have been raped twice and I just know having a man examine me in that way would be far too triggering. It was hard enough having a woman do it. When I had to have a few gynecological exams a couple of years ago the thought of a man doing it was terrifying to me and reduced me to tears as at that time it had actually only been about a month or so since I was raped. The hospital was understanding of this and had no problem finding a woman to do it and she was lovely and gentle (contrary to the claims that male gynecologists are more gentle, women tend to be harsh that I've seen tossed around).
It really does drive me mad though that there are some people who would think I was being petty and that thought I was worried about being eyed up and that I should just "get over it".