If you're female AIBU to ask if you're ok with male health professionals at all times and in any scenario?

[DockerDre]

It's just that question really.

I had a dr try to do an endometrial biopsy this week, no anaesthetic, no warning just as part of the gynae rapid access clinic. She was really lovely but couldn’t get my cervix to cooperate. I’m really glad the dr was a woman, I was crying in pain and she really it the fact I wanted to have the procedure but couldn’t bear it. I wouldn’t have been as relaxed with a man and that would have made it even more uncomfortable. We talked about how awful my bleeding & PMDD are and I’m having surgery in 2 weeks. I don’t believe any man could understand how awful it is.

I might feel more embarrassed, but I wouldn't ask for a female instead. I put my trust in the medics.

For boobs and fanjo I want a natal woman. I think it's my right to ask.

EleanorOalike

^
Bloody dispicable. I had some GP try to touch me up when I was 17- I gave him the hardest stare imaginable and he got the message. Fuck wit.

There was a lengthy thread on here a while ago about this and it was shocking the amount of people who reported inappropriate behaviour from supposed professionals of health.

@PollyEsterblouse are you in the U.K.? If so, some private hospitals offer a breast check done by an advanced practitioner (a radiographer who's done extra training) - they're more likely to be female.

No.
And I also want to be able to choose a biologically female hcp, not just one who 'identifies as'.

Nope, I’d want a woman for anything intimate.

No, I've asked for a female before. Not just health professionals either, when I needed a solicitor I asked specifically for a female as well.

No, much prefer talking & dealing with women whether it is a gynae issue or sore throat.

I believe we should have the opportunity to see female or male as we prefer. I know my DH feels much more comfortable talking to a male doctor.

And yes, I appreciate we are very lucky to have the NHS etc etc etc!

For me it's not just the male/female thing, it's that the males can get extremely angry with you and blame you for e.g. if they can't get a line in.

I want a competent medical professional. Gender is entirely irrelevant

Yes, I’m fine with it in any situation including things involving genitalia (and have been examined by men for this before). I have also experienced rape but for me personally, it didn’t change how I feel about this. I understand others will be affected differently.

I think it’s bigotry to have an issue with the sex of the person providing healthcare. Load of nonsense which the NHS should never entertain.

A doctor is a doctor and I don’t care either way for any procedure.
Those who only want women would you have a problem with a male midwife? I ask as there was a male mw working when I had my second and that was long ago so I am sure there are more now.

@DockerDre that is your practice though, not general (the 2 female GPS at my current practice are incompetent beyond belief- nothing to do with them being female. They are just dumb)

Yes - would happily see a male HCP for anything.

Yes......apart from smear - don't know why, I could (and have) had a male doctor examining me (including vagina) but for some reason smear tests - woman dr please!!!

Same night for e.g. a female paramedic tried 4 times to get a line in - she blamed herself. When in the hospital, various doctors came down to try to get a line in, including a surgeon and he swore at me as if it was my fault. I believe an anaesthetist finally got a line in (I was unconscious at this stage), but the men upset me and were berating me for shivering (I was in shock so my hands were shaking). I find the men can be very angry.

Load of nonsense which the NHS should never entertain

Fortunately they do

Can you really see no reason why a woman might want a woman examining her?

I think it’s bigotry to have an issue with the sex of the person providing healthcare

Rubbish. It is about feeling comfortable and relaxed when you are in a vulnerable situation or talking about something deeply personal. Having someone the same sex (gender not relevant) can also make people feel better understood, because the person has the same biology so will 'get' it.

I had an op to remove a breast cyst under local anaesthetic - op performed by male doctor, junior male doctor painted the area with that brown stuff (don't know what that is!) but had a female nurse who held my hand the whole time. Never felt uncomfortable at all - they are professionals after all.

I want a female doctor for everything. I feel vulnerable at the doctors and want to be comfortable, which for me means a female doctor. I did have a lovely transsexual health care assistant care for me after my first birth but she wasn’t doing anything medical, just bringing me water, food and chatting when I was up in the middle of the night with a crying newborn. THere was a male midwife at that birth centre who was very nice, but I wouldn’t have wanted him delivering my baby.

I think it’s bigotry to have an issue with the sex of the person providing healthcare

So you think people shouldn’t be allowed to state who touched their body? If it’s ok with you, crack on but thank god the NHS and the law, allows the patient autonomy over their own bodies.

I think it’s bigotry to have an issue with the sex of the person providing healthcare. Load of nonsense which the NHS should never entertain

No empathy for why some women may be more comfortable with a woman then? Women just have to suck up their discomfort and anxiety and stop being bigots?

I recently had a pelvic ultrasound, and wouldn't have wanted a male staff member, same for smears. I also recently went to the doctor about heavy periods, and I've seen two GPS, one male and one female. The male was just as good as the female and I didn't feel uncomfortable discussing it. My children were all delivered by a man, and I was fine with that. I do think women should have the choice though, if at all possible.