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

[catscan]

Just that really.

Lady when I read about the woman who had a mtf trans person for their smear test that was in the news recently, I thought it was a very unusual request. I knew it was possible, but didn’t think many people asked. When it came up on the Feminist board thread, I was hugely shocked to find about 95% of people said they request a female, and wondered how come I, having not specified, had had so many males. Then I thought that board probably might not be a representative group. So I asked here, and it’s about 35%.

Of course no-one should have to have an intimate examination by someone they’re uncomfortable with. If I felt uncomfortable with an allocated HCP, I’d ask for another, and I think that right should be supported by all.

Regardless of what I think, it seems likely that self-identification will be passed into law, so a patient requesting a woman may get a transwoman. To me, it is interesting to think about what will happen, and what should happen, in that scenario.

Do you have any other questions for me?

I’ll bite. I would refuse a transwoman.

If I get a TIM I will have no hesitation in refusing treatment. I would complain to the clinic/hospital in writing, making it clear that this person was not of the female sex and given that they are medical people that I’m shocked at the level of their cognitive disassociation.

I don’t think you’re that unusual Lady. I think most of the people who’d specifically request a woman, wouldn’t accept a transwoman. And in my opinion, that’s fine and they can do so if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable, regardless of gender or sex.

But I wonder how that’ll play out if self-identification is passed? It can’t be illegal if it’s currently legal to choose, but will being trans be a protected attribute?

Personally, I think I would feel less comfortable with a transwoman than a woman or man or transman. But not so uncomfortable that I’d refuse.

Yes, have always requested only female doctors for any kind of gyno issue.

Have the same request in my green notes too and so far only been seen by female doctors, nurses, sonographers, and midwives.

I didn’t know you could request females for things other than intimate exams until today

I would probably ask for someone else too as a trans woman would make me feel quite uncomfortable in that situation assuming it was very obviously a person born male and not just a less feminine looking woman.

I’ll bite. I would refuse a transwoman.

Me too but the thing is 10 years ago I probably would not have. I might have felt a little odd - mostly because I would wonder why a transwoman ended up working as an obgyn nurse but I would have presumed that she was a nurse before and this is ok. I might even have felt some common ground with her etc.

But the idea of letting a man examine me who identifies as a woman and expects me to treat him like this for an intimate exam while his penis swings between his legs - no way. For one thing I think he might have some serious issues if he feels like this but still thinks he can do a smear on a woman acting like a woman while everyone knows he is a man and it not be a problem for her.

I don't let people with serious issues stick anything in my vagina. It is a rule that has served me well.

When I was having a medical management of miscarriage I needed some tablets inserted right up next to my cervix to kick start the labour part.

I was already really upset about having the miscarriage as I'd recently also recovered from cancer and had other stuff going on. I was an emotional wreck.

The midwife said the doctor will be along soon to put the tablets in and spoke about the doctor in a way that I reallsed it was a male doctor. I got really upset and started crying and said I didn't want a man to do it and could the midwife not put them in instead. She just tried to reassure me it would all be fine and didn't ask why I was so upset or did I want to leave the procedure for now. I felt very vulnerable -as if I wasn't allowed to object.

The doctor came in and I didn't want him to do it and was upset but couldn't explain to his face why. Eventually, I agreed as the baby had to come out of me somehow.

He spent what seemed like ages with his fingers stuck up inside me putting the tablets in - and I felt like I was being assaulted even though I knew it was just a medical procedure. I wish I'd stood up for myself but I was very fragile at the time.

I don't need to for smear tests as only female nurses at our surgery but recently when pregnant I had a male midwife complete an examination and a sweep. Didn't bother me at all but then quite frankly at 39 weeks pregnant and fed up I would probably have let anyone down there to do a sweep

I'd refuse a TIM.

No need to request one, as it's a given that a woman will do it at our surgery.

vibe I am so sorry, what a terrible series of events for you

I can understand why some women do and thats up to them but I personally wouldnt. And if im being honest id actually prefer a man to do it. Just because I had a horrible experience with a woman putting in my coil. I had to go back and in the end a male doctor did it and it was actually much better due to him being much more sympathetic. (and using a smaller speculum, which the woman didnt even try to do!) So now ive just got it in the back of my mind that maybe men are more sympathetic because they havent been through it and handled it well themselves so they dont expect you to be able to deal with it very well!!

Im aware im being a bit stupid because it was probably just a fluke that i got a horrible harsh nurse the first time!

I have never specifically asked but would just assume that it would be a woman doing it. There are loads of nurses at our GP and all are female I think. I'm not sure how I'd feel if the nurse turned out to be a man, it's a good question. Quite taken aback probably.

Always just had a female nurse for smear but don't think I'd be phased by a man. When male GP has done gynae exams he's always called in a chaperone by default; had male doctors at hospital.

It's never really bothered me (think actually happier with a male GP) but I can understand why some women couldn't cope and I'm genuinely not sure what I'd think about exam by MTF (because it throws in certain doubts).

I actually requested a male. Not because he was a man but because he'd been recommended to me by several other women.

He's also delivered mine and several other women's children.

I don't care what gender the Dr is.

And if im being honest id actually prefer a man to do it.

But if things go as planned, you'll have no idea who will be doing it - it could be a woman who now identifies as a man.

@pallisers

DFOD.

No, I'm happy with whoever. It doesn't make a difference to me. My GP is male and utterly fantastic, and I've had plenty of intimate examinations by male doctors in the past. I don't understand why it would matter the gender of the doctor or nurse, they're professionals doing their jobs. I'd feel very odd asking for a female HCP as it'd feel like I was unfairly discriminating against male ones for something out of their control so I wouldn't do it.

It's a bit awkward and embarrassing whoever does it, it's no more or less embarrassing depending on the HCP!

When I was in labour with dd I was asked if I'd mind having a medical student observe labour and delivery and when I said this was ok, the midwife asked if I'd mind it to be a male student.She seemed really chuffed when I said that would be fine.
He was with us throughout the entire delivery (got to watch a forceps delivery) and I only realized the next day when he came back with a present for dd that i was the only woman who had agreed to have him there while the female student went between 4 rooms and saw several deliveries.
Anecdata, I know but I always remember that when this discussion comes up.

Not something I'm bothered by really! First three hours of my labour were with a male midwife - it bothered me more that he had the same name as my partner and it got quite confusing!

It's only ever been a woman who does my smear but I think that's just because she's the only one at the practise who does it rather than a choice. A male nurse did my copper coil though - and he made sure to check I was comfortable with him doing it and he had to get a female in anyway - I think she was a medical student.

Not at all bothered here. I once had an internal assessment (not smear) by a male doctor and the receptionist kept asking if I was sure, which made me feel a bit uncomfortable, like I shouldn't be ok with it.
He was fine, and had a quicker waiting list than the female staff. Female nurse as chaperone as well

"I don't understand why it would matter the gender of the doctor or nurse, they're professionals doing their jobs"

Really? You really can't understand why it might matter for some women?

Not feeling that way myself i do sometimes wonder whether people who would only want a female would mind one who looked like a man, talked like a man and may even have a surgically created "penis". I guess the answer would vary entirely been individuals, I just find it interesting to consider what the general consensus would be.

@catscan you seem to have been doing some looking into this so I'm keen to hear what you might have come across. I understood that yes, if you request a woman you may get a transwomen. But that if you don't want that particular HCP you can request another - for any reason, for no reason, or because they are a trans person - even if that's a protected characteristic. Do you know if I'm getting that wrong? I'll try and find somewhere I read it recently when I get time.