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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why men work in gynecology?

759 replies

CustardC · 18/10/2022 11:04

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👍

OP posts:
RunLolaRun102 · 13/11/2022 22:36

ScotchPine · 13/11/2022 16:44

Someone with a history of trauma who would like a female provider, or someone making the request for cultural reasons is hardly ‘on their high horse’ or ‘being silly’. Everyone should have a choice as to who performs highly invasive procedures on them. Forcing someone to have a male provider when it would be harmful to them could well have a detrimental psychological impact. Ultimately, that could place more strain on the NHS than requesting a female provider would. Why should someone go private when they have contributed to the NHS for years just because they are trying to safeguard their mental well-being?

In some areas you can’t get a female consultant or there are massive queues for them and so they only see the most severe cases. So women who need consultant led care but do not want men often have to settle for hospital based midwifery care (that is referral based) even when a consultant is available. This is the biggest reason why religious Muslim women of all races are still most likely to die in childbirth in this country.

JohnHunter · 14/11/2022 00:20

Most gynaecology in the UK is cancer work. The specialty is an interesting mix of medicine and surgery. Males and female doctors choose it for the same reason they choose any specialty - interest in the area, inspiring role models, early career opportunities (eg a research project) that falls within the specialty, etc.

Do people question the motives of female urologists (largely - albeit not exclusively - a specialty concerned with the male reproductive system) as well?

thebestcestmoi · 14/11/2022 10:34

Do people question the motives of female urologists (largely - albeit not exclusively - a specialty concerned with the male reproductive system) as well?

No. Women are not a threat to men in the same way, there is not the same power imbalance there. A third of men have not been sexually abused or assaulted by a female in their lifetime. There are not countless news stories of female doctors abusing male patients for sexual thrills like there is the other way round. Completely different scenario.

hellycat · 14/11/2022 17:12

RunLolaRun102 · 13/11/2022 22:32

My brother in law lost his grandmother, mother, aunt and two older sisters to childbirth. That’s why he became one. His male colleagues went into it for similar reasons. It is a noble profession.

When and where did this happen? In the UK? Very unusual in this day and age.

RunLolaRun102 · 14/11/2022 19:33

thebestcestmoi · 14/11/2022 10:34

Do people question the motives of female urologists (largely - albeit not exclusively - a specialty concerned with the male reproductive system) as well?

No. Women are not a threat to men in the same way, there is not the same power imbalance there. A third of men have not been sexually abused or assaulted by a female in their lifetime. There are not countless news stories of female doctors abusing male patients for sexual thrills like there is the other way round. Completely different scenario.

Female urologists are the number one reason why men don’t go to their appointments. It’s considered such a problem that this is one area where many trusts try to have a maintain at least a 60:40 ratio towards male specialists

Aussiegirl123456 · 14/11/2022 20:17

RunLolaRun102 · 14/11/2022 19:33

Female urologists are the number one reason why men don’t go to their appointments. It’s considered such a problem that this is one area where many trusts try to have a maintain at least a 60:40 ratio towards male specialists

Show quote history

That’s very sad they have to maintain that ratio for male patients but do not give the same consideration to female patients…

EBearhug · 14/11/2022 21:13

Female urologists are the number one reason why men don’t go to their appointments.

That's interesting- one of my colleagues said he'd rather have a female doctor examining him - smaller fingers.

bottleofbeer · 14/11/2022 21:55

My son is in his last year of a nursing degree. He loved his stint on obstetrics. He's awed by pregnancy and birth. Always has been. Avid fan of call the midwife. Watched Vera Drake and The Magdalene sisters with me at a young age and I was totally honest with him about what shit women went through. He challenged the fact his school were planning a visit from SPUC. He has no interest beyond the medical about seeing female genitals/the female reproductive system. He's gay.

thebestcestmoi · 14/11/2022 22:57

RunLolaRun102 · 14/11/2022 19:33

Female urologists are the number one reason why men don’t go to their appointments. It’s considered such a problem that this is one area where many trusts try to have a maintain at least a 60:40 ratio towards male specialists

Show quote history

Oh I definitely support men having the choice to have a male practitioner and absolutely understand why they may find that more comfortable and dignified. Was just explaining that it still isn’t the same as female patient male doctor scenario.

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