Problematic heavy periods, appointment with a male GP - is it unreasonable to tell him I don't want an internal exam?

[policywonk]

My periods have gone a bit nuts (I'm beginning to suspect fibroids) and the only appointment I can get for the forseeable future is with a male GP (the only female GP at my pracice is mysteriously unavailable, seemingly for ever).

I don't want an internal exam - I just want him to refer me to a gynae. I know doctors have seen it all before, blah blah, but having this man give me an internal exam would make me incredibly uncomfortable, and I think I'm right in saying that you'd usually be referred for a case of suspected fibroids anyway? (I know the gynae might well turn out to me male, but at least he'd be an expert.)

Plus, this GP has a reputation among the mothers I know for being a bit creepy (unnecessary breast exams, according to at least two women I know).

So am I being unreasonable to turn up, describe my symptoms but tell him I don't want an internal, just a referral?

Or is this something that could be dealt with at a Well Woman clinic?

Thnk you everyone. I had the appointment this morning and the GP was very nice. I said 'I know it's rubbish but I'd rather the pelvic exam was done by a woman', and he said that if he were having his 'bits' (his word!) assessed he'd want it done by a man.

So I'm having various tests and he's given me a prescription for tranexamic acid. No referral as yet but he seems to be very thorough.

He said 'you look very pale', which I think is doctor-speak for 'you look like site' I do as well.

erm, shite, that should be

Glad the appointment went well policy.

This my Christmas name, btw. Can you tell who I am?

Have you snow?

A couple of inches and still piling down. A bit slushy though.

Have you?

Nah, just rain. I'm envious/jealous