Questions & Answers

kellers - my hospital doesn't do paps until after women are 21. They said that sometimes things come back as abnormal, which really are not if they do it too soon. so to avoid worry, unless you're having a specific problem, they don't start routine paps until after 21

I see both and they are all nice. The males aren't always as helpful because they have no personal experience. And I'm not sure what age has to do with a pelvic exam but at the first visit my office did a pap and pelvic exam standard for anyone who is expecting.

Female doctors are meaner than males. My previous gyno, whom I saw for years due to infertility, was a woman. She didn't want me having a baby because I have epilepsy so I wasn't getting pregnant so I left her. 4 months after going to my current doctor, a male, I was pregnant and am now 7.5 months. He is so nice and the kind of person that makes you stop and wonder if you know him because of his personality and the way he speaks to you. He is very caring and good at what he does. When I was young I did the whole, I don't want a male doctor down there but I grew up and got over it.

Wow so many opinions! Thank you ladies! That really opens my eyes to either gender. Thanks so much I appreciate it:)

I have a female OB and she is awesome! I personally would feel way to uncomfortable having a male OB checking me down there. I don't care how professional he is, I would still feel uncomfortable. That being said, that's just my personal feeling towards it. I don't think there is anything wrong with it for those who are comfortable with having a male doctor! Just go with whatever you feel most comfortable with.

I think it is just a personal choice of which gender you are more comfortable with. I have seen both, and I was personally more comfortable with male OBGYN'S. They were just more gentle and seemed more sympathetic towards me, but that's just my personal preference. I have friends that have female OBGYN'S that they absolutely adore. My last OBGYN retired, so I chose my new OBGYN based on a recommendation from a good friend that he has delivered all 4 of her children, 2 of them in emergency situations. He is older, and highly experienced in emergency situations and that is what matters most to me. He is also very down to earth, and takes the time to answer all of my questions, even the silly ones. Get a referral from a good friend, and go in a meet with them to see if you like them. Good luck to you!

...he loves working with moms who are choosing natural birth, and helping them get thru it (even if they can't or don't stick to the natural birth plan)

My main concern with choosing an OB was how my hubby felt about it, and once he said it didn't matter, that made me way less nervous about seeing a male Dr. I had heard the same about women, that they were less sympathetic and more "youre a woman, get over it." soooo I went with a male. HE ROCKS. So professional and understanding - although I am also in a place where anyone could end up delivering my baby. Since I wasnt 21 until last week, I havent had to have a "down there" examination, but he always brings my husband into the room and talks to us BOTH. He has no problems asking me the questions that need to be asked, or answering mine, so I'm totally comfortable with him doing an exam when we need to. There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to picking an OB, you could end up with a fantastic one of either gender, or a not so great one of either gender. Try to find out what kind of births like they doing. That was also a big factor in choosing mine. He l

My main OB is female. However, I am seen at a large practice where any of the OBs could deliver your baby. I conceived in a non traditional manner so chose an OB who would be accepting and wouldn't make me feel like a science experiment. I've had male OB/GYNs. They almost seem more sympathetic sometimes than the females. I do however LOVE my new OB.

I'm 14 weeks pregnant with twins and I've only had one exam down there. I also had an ultrasound at 10 weeks that had to be done vaginally by a male tech. I've just decided that pretty much everyone is going to see my vagina!

I like having a female Dr just cause I feel like they know what I'm going thru. I had a male Dr for my daughter and I really liked him. I would ask around and see who other people in your area recommend. I don't think male/female matters it is just who you feel comfortable with.