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Original poster

Gynae appointment. What to expect?

16 replies

Fourkisses · 28/02/2013 13:58

I have an appointment with the gynaecologist soon for peri menopause type symptoms. I've recently had a smear, blood tests and internal scan. What else can he do? Will I automatically have an internal exam?
I'm really nervous as the doctor is a man. I've never had a male doctor/nurse rummaging around my fanjo before

OP posts:
Original poster
Fourkisses · 28/02/2013 20:36

Anybody?

OP posts:
justabigdisco · 28/02/2013 20:42

Yes you will probably have an internal exam, that's pretty standard for gynae clinics. Can I ask, are you in the UK? Could your GP not have sorted out your menopausal symptoms?

Fluffycloudland77 · 28/02/2013 20:45

I've had an internal in a consultant lead gynae clinic, I can honestly say it was the least uncomfortable internal I've had. Much better than a normal smear test.

EmmaDale · 28/02/2013 20:51

Can't really advise about what else he may do in terms of tests etc but in my experience, there will be a female nurse present if you need an internal examination.

I've had a lot of Gynae appts but luckily have never had a problem with a man examining me so, I apologise that I can't sympathise more.

Try not to worry too much - just remember that he is there to help you get to the bottom of what is wrong and if you're not comfortable then communicate that. Having any kind of internal examination will obviously be easier if you're relaxed and I'm sure he'll try and put you at ease as best he can.

Good luck

AuntieStella · 28/02/2013 20:56

They'll review all the results of the tests you've had recently and talk to you about your recently symptoms. He'll be making an expert view on whether this does indeed fall within the parameters of normal menopause, or whether there is anything that needs further treatment in which case he should explain what it is, what the preferred treatment is and why, and whether there are other options.

He may or may not need to order further tests or perform an examination on the day. It really does depend on what is under investigation and whether the information they have so far is sufficient.

hermioneweasley · 28/02/2013 20:59

Guaranteed a medic will be up to their elbows in you. It's what happens.

Original poster
Fourkisses · 28/02/2013 21:30

Just I'm in the UK. Blood results didnt show peri menopause signs and I'm 39 so it would be early for menopause really. That's why gp has referred me.
Thanks for reassurance Fluffy, Emma and Auntie. I'm petrified. Silly really after having dc's and regular smears.
Hermione that was really not helpful Hmm

OP posts:
fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 28/02/2013 21:32

Every time I go they ask about periods and contraception, even if it's not relevant.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 28/02/2013 21:33

If its a man and he examines you..there will be a female nurse present.

hermioneweasley · 28/02/2013 21:36

Sorry OP. speaking from multiple recent experiences. They refuse to trust anyone else's examinations or tests and keep re running the same ones. But apparently me and my fanjo are a medical mystery so perhaps you will have more luck. I sincerely hope so.

Granitetopping · 28/02/2013 21:43

You can ask to see a female gynaecologist. You have a choice. You don't have to see a man if you don't want to. Call ahead and change your appointment. As a patient you have a choice. I'm all for same gender care if that is what the patient wants. The NHS is trying to be gender neutral - wouldn't work me.

I don't think someone telling you that a nurse will be present is reassuring if you are unhappy with a male doctor. If you are uncomfortable with a male doctor, a hundred nurses in the room wouldn't help!!

Original poster
Fourkisses · 28/02/2013 22:25

Granite I didn't realise I could request a female. Will call tomorrow.
You're right, no matter how many nurses are present I still wouldn't feel comfortable. The nurse at this clinic is his wifeConfusedI always wonder what sort of man would want to be a gynae, it strikes me as weird. Plus I've heard too many wankers idiots saying stupid things like 'I'm no gynaecologist but I'm happy to have a look' ha ha Hmm
Hermione I hope you get things sorted, sorry I thought you were being facetious before.

OP posts:
Granitetopping · 28/02/2013 22:38

Whoa - his nurse is his wife!!! Red flag!!! Run away!! Conflict of interest - she won't be on your side if you aren't happy with his care.

Original poster
Fourkisses · 01/03/2013 11:59

You're right Granite St Davids

OP posts:
orangeflutie · 01/03/2013 12:17

I don't know if this helps at all but I've had a couple of internals over the last two years. The first one was when I saw a female gynae and the second was during a visit to a male gynae. The first one was really quite uncomfortable and the second I hardly noticed.

IME male gynaes are much gentler.

Good luck.

digerd · 01/03/2013 13:21

I had yearly smears and internals as the german health system is, but luckily by a female gyny. I never felt any discomfort except when she pressed on my bladder above the pubic bone, during the internal exam, as feared I would leak.
I also had an anal internal.
Not sure what she was looking for as never asked. It was just for yearly screening.
When I was younger even up to 38, a male doing it never bothered me.
But a couple of decades on, I was embarrassed when a young male dr, felt my < old sagging> breasts at the breast clinic, and certainly would not like a male fiddling about in/up there either.

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