To wonder why men work in gynecology?

[CustardC]

Genuine question, my sisters and I were discussing our most recent smear tests and sister 1 commented on how her nurse was male. I've always asked for a female when I book a smear or any type of gyne issues and it's always been respected, but it got me thinking...if there are any men here who work in that field, why?

I'm fully prepared for the backlash that ill probably get but honest question👍

Apologies if this has already been pointed out but it is largely because it is a specialism which involves a lot of surgery. Surgery in general is a competitive area of medicine. These days I’d be surprised if there are not as many female as male consultants in Obstetrics and gynaecology. There are more female than male medical students entering the profession generally.

By your theory should men also not want to be midwives? Because I had two male midwives and out of four births they were definitely the best by far. So so much more compassionate and understanding than the women!

I once had a VERY bad experience with a gynaecologist. I was very young and did not speak up and today 34 years later it still makes me so angry. I would always now ask for a female dr but if it was absolutely necessary to see a male gynaecologist I would always insist a female nurse was present.

They weren’t up the level required for more competitive specialities such cardiology, oncology or neurology. Probably came down to a choice between geriatrics, ophthalmology or paediatrics.

I would think they have gone into the field that has scientifically interested them. As women's reproductive system is very complex and you have to be super knowledgeable about so many aspects. I think it must be very interesting to learn and I imagine there is always new things, new technologies to learn about in this field. I have wondered too, but now have come to realise there is so much behind becoming a doctor or nurse and sooo many different paths and fields they could go down. So picking the one that interests them the most and stimulates the mind for constantly learning, growth and new challenges would be why. Its a very complex area, nothing is simple. Also so grateful at what an amazing job that they do and just how knowledgeable they are.

I am deaf in one ear, but I still find ENT fascinating.

I had no kids (up until this week) but I have spent many years training in paeds.

gynaecology is a mixed specialty.. some medicine and some surgery. This is much more likely to be the appeal of working in it. Also, there aren’t (I don’t believe) many gynaecology emergencies. So yours hours likely to be better. (As opposed to obstetrics where it is high drama and high risk). Your junior male dr might have opted for obstetrics cos they like babies and seeing families being made and the mix of medicine and surgery. But then specialised again to Gynae only for lifestyle.

For me I find it even odder that you think you have to share anatomy/ issues with your patients. I have worked with loads of brilliant men in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Christ. What a ridiculous post. I actually had a smear yesterday by a - shock horror - male gynaecologist!!!!😱😱😱😱😱😱😱…. Maybe. Just maybe - they are interested in it as a …. Job?

I’ve always thought that. Most gynaecologists seem to be make . Why ???

Unless you have cultural sensitivities you are being VERY unreasonable!

I’ve always thought this! While being sewn up after a third degree tear and having 3/4 health professionals being men down there couldn’t help but say ‘ what an awful job you’ve got’
YANBU why do men want to stare at womens- sometimes torn and disfigured vaginas. Imagine if a women said she was studying for penisology!

It's a valid question. My daughter (21yrs old, with autism) found a breast lump. It was a female who did the ultrasound. But a male Dr who she refused to look or touch her. This was at hospital where I'd already said she wanted lady Dr's only. Lump was fibroadenoma and has now been removed by all female surgeon 😊

Ah, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. That’s exactly the kind of situation I was referring to. It should be avoided at all costs, but there just isn’t the level of awareness needed (or resources) for appropriate accommodation to be made in every case and that’s a huge shame.

I presume not because 99% of sexual crimes are committed by men.

Not all sexual crimes are committed on impulse. Some men will build their life around being in a position where they're easy to fulfil their desires, and hide their motives, see Jimmy Saville and Rolf Harris for instance.

Of course every one is entitled to a preference and opinion.

Men and women have to perform intimate care all the time, in care homes or assisted living facilities or doctors or hospitals.

Most recorded cases of abuse of power though have been by men.

Interesting that while this thread has progressed, we've also seen press coverage of the cancellation of a woman's operation because she insisted on all female nursing staff in the recovery period.www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11316141/Hospital-bans-sex-assault-victim-op-female-care-request.html

She is a sex attack victim and did not want intimate care performed by males while she was immobilized.

It looks like one of the nursing staff at the hospital was a trans identified male as well.

I don't really object to care from men although I 100% support women's right to demand same sex intimate care and for invasive procedures, but from some fetishist dragged up to the nines with synthetic breasts? Fuck right off.

"To wonder why men work in gynecology (sic)?"

Not tall enough to be a brain surgeon.

There are gynaecological oncologists.

Plenty of women work in sexual health clinics dealing with men - why is that any different? I went with a friend to an app with a female gynae, and most patients in the waiting room (albeit a small one) were men - she was a private doc specialising in sexually transmitted diseases / related mental issues.

A male gynae treated me when I was dealing with infertility and also helped me through a stillbirth. He was absolutely brilliant and I felt so lucky to be under his care. I saw a female gynae a couple of times during my pregnancy and disliked her so much and didn't feel very confident in her ability as a doctor that I asked to not have any more appointments with her. So I think a person's gender has nothing to do with it.

Your posts are quite patronising implying that posters are too young/ too naive to get it but once they acquire your wisdom the penny will drop.

My experience of birth was an elective c- section. I 'd been awake all night in excitement knowing that at around 10.30 a.m my baby would be born. Everyone is different of course but I simply can't fathom thinking " oh this would have been so much better with an all female team" as opposed to this is exciting.

As it was an elective c-section, planned in good time the whole team seemed very relaxed and , for want of a better word, as happy to be there as I was. The surgeon and anaesthetist were men.

On gynecological issues generally the female doctor , supposedly, specialising in women's health at a well woman centre could not have been less interested in helping me with increasingly heavy periods in my mid 40s. She didn't even mention endometrial ablation and seemed to be very irritated when I questioned if a long term hormonal contraceptive implant was the only option. The male consultant I saw privately was lovely and solved the issue.

A lot of people commenting on here are speaking about Obstetrics not Gynaecology
Ex nurse here and I have to be honest male Gynae Drs have, in my experience, the very worst bedside manner and least empathy with their patients.

And really how could they have given they don't go through the experiences females do. Ive always found them to be cavalier in their attitudes towards "womens problems"
And now we have our GP, originally a Gynae professional and hasn't changed my opinion at all. the worst ever GP ever. Cursory at best!

Have you read or watched “This is going to hurt” by Adam Kay?
Obs & Gyn are a joint specialty from what I understand, and maybe men find it just as rewarding as a women would to bring new babies into the world.

It's because that's probably the only time they get the upper hand 😂🤣

I would never willingly allow a male doctor or male nurse or male MW anywhere near me - let alone be involved in any treatment. Far too triggering.

It doesn’t bother me. My gynaecologist was male. A bit embarrassing but just get on with it. Women have their reasons to request a female and I totally respect that.

the only time I complained was when I had a coil fitted and they asked if a couple of students could watch. One of them came in and was the most beautiful man I had ever seen in my life. And he was looking at my floof. I was mortified.

Haven't read all 24 pages so apologies if this has been asked.

Would you have the same reservations about a female obs/gynae doctor that was lesbian?

I work in midwifery and can honestly say that in 15 years, I haven't met a doctor (male or female) specialising that has given me the creepy vibe. As in I have never had cause to wonder why they have chosen this field.