Has anyone ever had a mammogram or smear by a male nurse?

[strawberrisc]

Just posting here for traffic.

Yes.
Why do you ask??

For a medical professional (male or female) looking at a vagina/breast is no different to them than looking at an arm or leg. It’s a non issue.

You don't sound daft and nobody said YABU, they're just answering your question.

I have had a male GP perform a smear but would always ask for a woman nowadays.

Not a smear just because it has always been the female nurse at my GP, not mammogram age yet, but I've had a lot of other vaginal examinations, internal ultrasounds etc by male nurses and other male practitioners, I had recurrent thrush after starting a new pill a few years ago and it was the male doctor who took me seriously and tried a different tack with treatment, so diffentiate the pharmacist asked to speak to me privately asked if the treatment was as stated on the prescription and if I'd mind letting him know for it turned out as it was quite an unusual approach. It worked marvellously, the female gp just kept giving me canesten equivalents and seemed annoyed that I want just putting up with it (it went on for over three months before I saw the male GP as my usual doctor wasn't available). Medical professionals are just that, professional. I don't see why gender comes into it.

Yes and it didn’t bother me at all.

No one has said YABU because you didn't say in your OP how you felt.

I don't think YABU. Your body, your choice.

Just be prepared to have to wait a little longer or go to a different clinic/practice - apart from that, no biggie really.

I don't see why gender comes into it

You are right. It shouldn’t. Blame it on my Catholic upbringing!

Some people can’t help being afraid of spiders. Some people are scared of the dark. All these tnings are irrational when you think about it but I can’t help how I feel. (Which I admit is irrational).

I have had a male midwife when I was pregnant with my first: I didn't feel uncomfortable and he was very nice and very capable but I just wasnt convinced he could empathise with the whole experience of pregnancy!

Not a smear because it’s just always been a woman but lots of gynaecologists I’ve seen have been male and GUM clinic nurses.

Smears, vaginal exams (a couple of times as a child) and a coil fitting. I'm uncomfortable with the fact that people are allowed to refuse to work with people because of their sex, but I do understand why it happens it certain situations.

I'm sure there are some blokes who would prefer their private parts dealt with by a male HCP. Again - fine as long as they are prepared to go the extra mile to find the HCP of their choice.

Right everyone. Thanks. I need to put my big girl pants on! It’s actually a mammogram so my little boobies need to be manipulated into those squashy plates. I’ll just play my favourite Friends episodes in my head! It’s only 10 minutes out of my life after all!

I think you are well within your rights to ask for a female nurse to do procedures you shouldn't feel uncomfortable just because you don't want a man doing ir nobody said you were Bu ☺

My smears were always done by a male except once- that once was the worst I had!

My goodness she was rough!

@BathTangle but on that basis nor could a female who had no children.

I had a male consultant for IVF when the ET was done. It was the least uncomfortable examination in the area I’d ever had. He just is very good at his job.

Oh people are saying you ABU well I don't think you are and hopefully today isn't too uncomfortable for you.

BathTangle many female midwives haven’t had children, should they be able to empathise more purely because they are XX? A male midwife will have seen many labours, varying from straightforward to agony.

I haven’t been through the majority of procedures that my patients undergo, doesn’t make me incapable of empathising with their pain or anxiety.

My mammograms have so far always been all female.

In the "Mammobil" as it's called here.

Interestingly, I know a lot of mammographers who are lesbians. There is absolutely nothing sexual in it - whether male or female (and don’t forget men can have mammograms and get breast cancer too!).

Does this alter or make you question how you feel about male mammogroahers?

I didn't feel uncomfortable and he was very nice and very capable but I just wasnt convinced he could empathise with the whole experience of pregnancy

What about female women who haven't had children?

I have had males doing gynae and breast stuff but do prefer women given a choice. I am very self conscious. However if the male was kindly and chatty to put at ease I would likely be fine.

You can request a female, or male, whichever you're most comfortable with.

Bath

i have had a male midwife when I was pregnant with my first: I didn't feel uncomfortable and he was very nice and very capable but I just wasnt convinced he could empathise with the whole experience of pregnancy!

Would you feel the same about a woman who hasn’t had children herself?

I’m suprised you already know the sex of the nurse who will be doing your mammogram. I just get a letter with an appt time.

Male obstetrician and male midwife. Couldnt give a shit who it was at the time as what needed to be done needed to be done.

If I had time to think about it I would probably for no logical reason book with a female if the option was there.

I've had smears done by both male and female doctors and nurses. Makes no difference to me. My mum had a mammogram last week, done by a female nurse. The nurse was not sympathetic or gentle and mum said it was the worst mammogram she has ever had. She's had a lot (previous breast cancer). It's the skill, attitude and approach that's important, not what is present in their chromosomes.