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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you request a female doctor/nurse to do your smear test?

306 replies

catscan · 07/02/2018 20:14

Just that really.

OP posts:
Blondephantom · 07/02/2018 20:16

No but I can understand why some women do.

PositivelyPERF · 07/02/2018 20:16

Female. I’ve been assaulted by a male doctor, as a teenager and again when I was 18.

moreismore · 07/02/2018 20:16

I’ve never had a non-female nurse do one so it’s not occurred to me to check in advance... but yes I would expect it to be done by a woman.

BertrandRussell · 07/02/2018 20:16

No. I would prefer a woman, but for me it’s not a huge deal. But women should definitely have the right to if it’s important to them- no questions asked.

Dancingfairy · 07/02/2018 20:17

I was actually told to request one by a male doctor. But no I wouldn't as I don't really care who does it. Same with male midwifes I had no issues with them.

littlepeas · 07/02/2018 20:17

Yes. I recently had a breast reduction and specifically sought out a female consultant for that too. I have been examined by a male doctor in pregnancy - I didn't object, as he was obviously a professional/just doing his job, but I would have preferred a woman. I think it's the added level of understanding they have, as they actually have the same body parts as you - men can't know what it's like in the same way.

RaininSummer · 07/02/2018 20:18

I prefer a woman. I think the older I get the more I care as I don't want a young bloke looking at my middle aged bits. All in my mind I know but it adds another layer of stress and unease.

DesignedForLife · 07/02/2018 20:18

I've never requested as only had nurses do them and there's only ever been female nurses. But otherwise I would request.

AccidentallyRunToWindsor · 07/02/2018 20:19

I've never had a male nurse for a smear.

I've had a make gynaecologist for a coloscopy but there were 3 women in the room too, I felt very comfortable.

JuliannaBixby · 07/02/2018 20:19

Not as such. But if I phone and ask for a smear appointment it's generally the nurse, who is female. I've never been given an appointment with a male for a smear.

Readytomakechanges · 07/02/2018 20:19

No, but understand why some women do.

busyboysmum · 07/02/2018 20:19

Yes. I always request a female doctor. I've found them to have more understanding of female medical conditions as they have experienced a lot of the things I have themselves. And for intimate procedures I insist.

UserDeleted · 07/02/2018 20:20

I ask for a female nurse/doctor. I wouldn't get one done by a man. Never had an issues asking. I generally prefer a female doctor in general (for my GP).

Original poster
catscan · 07/02/2018 20:22

Interesting - about 50/50 so far.

Personally I don't mind either way (and have had a male gynaecologist and male sexual health nurse too) but I understand why some women would prefer a female.

OP posts:
shadesofwinter · 07/02/2018 20:22

No. But we only have female nurses at our surgery so it wouldn't occur to me to check. I think I'd be ok with a man doing it though.

Scotinoz · 07/02/2018 20:22

It's always been done by a female, but that just seems to be coincidence rather than preference.

My obstetrician was a male, and it was a male GP who inserted my Mirena, and were both excellent and not weird. Probably more gentle than the women to be honest.

blackteasplease · 07/02/2018 20:23

I haven't requested it but again understand why some women do. I have always just been given a female nurse though as they are all female at the practice we go to.

In was fine with the idea of having a male midwife with dc1, but then he fucked off due to an emergency and was off shift by the time I was actually induced.

GetShitDone · 07/02/2018 20:23

No, it doesn't bother me.

Ivebeenaroundtheblock · 07/02/2018 20:23

I have no negative past experiences so no concerns as to who performs it as long as they do it correctly.
Disclaimer I’m a retired nurse who has seen thousands of male and female bits.

halfwitpicker · 07/02/2018 20:24

I'd request a female.

Sarsparella · 07/02/2018 20:24

Ive never requested a female nurse but that’s more because it’s always been a female nurse whose done my smear - if I thought it could be a male nurse I’d ask for a female instead

ChickenPaws · 07/02/2018 20:25

I’m not particularly bothered, but given the choice, I’d rather have a female doctor/nurse.

I’ve also noticed that women actually listen to what I’m saying to them, whereas male doctors often dismiss my views or patronise me.

Littlechocola · 07/02/2018 20:25

No and don’t mind either way. Had a male midwife too.

As a female HCP I always offer to find a male colleague for male patients but people usually don’t mind.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 07/02/2018 20:25

No, but it hadn't occured to me that there would be a possibility that they wouldn't be female. How would you ask though, given that TIMs are apparently female from birth?

PandaG · 07/02/2018 20:25

Never specifically asked for a woman, but is always a nurse in my practice, and all the nurses I have seen have been female. When I book I have to say it is a smear, and assume that I am booked a female because of that