Preference: male or female gyno?

tiffwins

Just for the sake of conversation - would you rather have a male or female gyno, or do you not have a preference?

I have always had a woman, so I never really gave it much thought. I know neither care and are trained to deal with many medical problems, but eh. I think if I was randomly put as a male gyno's patient, I would be fine, but I don't know if I would choose it.

Someone I know who prefers male gynocologists said "I always thought they would have paid more attention in college. After all, it is a vagina."

I don't really know I feel about it. What do you think?

hillysuze

I've always had a female.

Even tho I know males are trained and educated, I feel weird asking vag questions to a male. Maybe its a modesty thing.

zelda25

I don't have a preference; I've been to good and bad female drs and good and bad male drs.  I don't believe for a second that being a good or bad doctor is about gender, nor do I believe that women GYNs "get it" more than men.  They're all professionally trained--whether or not they're any good depends entirely on the individual.  My current gyn is a man, by the way.

Honeydewchestnut

The times I didn't have insurance I went to Planned Parenthood for my yearly and I always had a woman gyno.  When I have had insurance, my normal doctor is a male so he is the one to do my yearly.  I'm more nervous with the random chick at Planned Parenthood versus a doctor I know and trust.

tiffwins

Good point. I agree that both are professionally trained, and gender doesn't make a difference in that aspect. But I think as far as preference goes, if I was presented with the choice between an equally qualified male and female gynocologist, I would probably choose female. I don't know why... I suppose it shouldn't make a difference.

PinotNoirLover

I only go to men.  The last time I went to a woman I think she was a lesbo and it freaked me out.

MissyNY

I'm naturally more comfortable with women, but my current Dr. is a guy and he's really great.

riderpunk

When I was younger my mom took me to her male GYN, I was so freaked out by him making fun of me since I shaved, I never went back.  Hands down, I will always have a female GYN now. 

BBgurl

My first one was an older man who looked like Anthony Hopkins. I love(d) him....but he retired. I currently have another man, which I requested. The idea of a woman touching me down there freaks me out. I don't even like it when they have a female nurse in the room to "watch".

Emeraldeyed315

rider, he made fun of you? thats terrible?!

I have always gone to a woman, but I think if I found a male gyno that made me feel comfortable I'd be okay with it.

aleos18

I've had all females except for my current one. He is my favorite by far. I think it has more to do with the person, than the gender.

BeagleLove

It doesn't matter to me, as long as they are good doctors.  Now that I think about it, I've only seen female nurse practitioners and male GYNs.

JayandEmm

Ive had both. The male Dr I had was awesome. (He was my first gyno. when I was 18.) I switched gynos when I moved from my home town a couple of years ago. So the Dr I have now is female. I have to say I liked the male Dr better than I like my Dr now.

loveindiana

I've always had a female and hopefully always will. Although, typing this out makes me feel awkward enough...I'd rather have a female looking at my vagina. I think my DH is more comfortable with that too.

kikipania

I've been to guy and girl gynos... I judge them on an individual basis, their gender doesn't make a difference to me.

 My current gyno is a drop dead gorgeous Swedish man... and he is so effin' awkward to talk to that I'm switching!! It's not ME who gets awkward... it's him! I'm an open person (hello, especially when talking to a doctor) but he seems to get, I don't know, weirded out? Then it weirds me out like, dude aren't you the professional? 

 I think I'll choose a woman the next time :S

lifeguard

riderpunk:

When I was younger my mom took me to her male GYN, I was so freaked out by him making fun of me since I shaved, I never went back.  Hands down, I will always have a female GYN now. 

 

Obviously he was not being professional and was seriously behind the times about being tidy down there.

lifeguard

  I figure if my personal bits have to be out on display.They may as well be appreciated.

J&A2008

My mom made some offhand comment to me a few years ago that stuck when I had to find a doctor of my own.  She said any male doctor she's had was gentle and respectful, but she had a couple female doctors who were too rough and unsympathetic.  I've always had a male GYN and probably always will.

pastrypuff9000

I've always gone to a male GYN.  I don't care about gender if they are a good doctor.

Sabrina121

PinotNoirLover:

I only go to men.  The last time I went to a woman I think she was a lesbo and it freaked me out.

how does this make sense? A straight man doesn't bother you, but a gay woman does?...they both like the same thing? can you clarify as to why?

head_sit

I'm not shy, I really have no preference. But this reminds me of a story:

I was refered to a male gyn for a persistant yeast infection. He was an older (60's?) grey haried heavy man. He suggested that he paint my "insides" with this purple goop that was supposed to somehow cure me for life (or so he said). As he's smearing this stuff all over my vag, he tells me, "You look good in purple." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I never went back.

TNIrishGirl

Always gone to female dr's, always will. I hate going for my yearly pap as it is. I'm pretty modest, and yes, I know they are trained professonals, but it's not something I enjoy or am overly comfortable with. I dread making that appt every year. Blah! One of the reasons I am NOT overly excited about getting preggo anytime soon. I know when that happens, I can throw the modesty out the window!

aurora123179

I have always been seen by a female. My current "Dr" is a physician's assistant. She is great! I very comfortable talking to her. She is very sympathetic and supportive.

amy589

I'd prefer an older female.  I've had both male and female..Don't get me wrong, the male was awesome.  It wasn't weird because he was very experienced, but for sake of being more comfortable, I'd go with a female.

rochella

I've had both.  Current is a male.

 

Made absolutely no difference to me whatsoever.

 

I honestly think people who HAVE to have a female doctor probably have some issues. Who cares? He's a trained professional, it's just a doctor's visit, and your vag isn't that special.  I go to a women's group office where there are 3 male doctors and 1 female doctor.  The female one is always so backed up, it's ridiculous.  My doctor is very talented, totally cool and professional.

psycotic_penguin

men, i never went to a women so i dont know if i would feel more or less comfortable but the 2 guys i have used made me feel comfortable.

tiffwins

I think the thing too that has made me choose female over male is that a female doctor can speak from personal experience. Maybe not by telling a personal story, but for example if I were to ask about problems with severe cramps, a woman is going to be able to relate to me more because she knows what menstrual cramps actually feel like. Although the man is a trained professional, it's hard for me to get around the idea that he himself has no chance of experiencing what any of his clients experience. Not that it makes him less helpful or professional. I don't know if that makes sense or not.

On the other hand, a poster commented about their mother's experience with male doctors being more gentle and careful and how some of their female doctors were unsympathetic... which makes sense as well.

steen05

I have always gone to a woman, but when I had my DD a male doctor delivered her.  It was on the weekend and my doc was not on call.  He was horrible. 

dirtyred

I've had both and HANDS DOWN the men were more gentle than the women.

I'm sticking with males from now own.

kmlluvnmh

I don't really care if my gyno is a male or female.  As a side note both of my children were delivered by male doctors.

fizzybauberswed

dirtyred:

I've had both and HANDS DOWN the men were more gentle than the women.

I've always heard this but I have only gone to women.  I feel more comfortable with a woman gyn.