Patient Etiquette

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 13, 2005

I am 24, and I had and epididymis infection in my left testicle a few months ago, and I waited two weeks before going to a doctor (I was in so much pain I could barely walk) I was waiting for the male doctor and male PA to return. I explained to them, that I waited because I was afraid of getting an erection if I had seen the female doctor. I know it was crazy for me to have waited, but I was terrified the female doctor and female nurse would examine my package.
Other than this kind of situation, I have no problem going to a female doctor or female nurse because I know they are just as capable as their male counterparts.
Is it inappropriate for men to ask for a male doctor or male nurse to do a genital examination?

It is your health. This is a very personal situation as well, and while comfort is easier said than done sometimes, some things CAN be done.

So i say ask.

Plus, for what it's worth, female nurses and female doctors are professionals, and realize that erections can happen anytime.

fergus51 · Sep 13, 2005

No, just as it isn't inappropriate for a woman to ask for a woman to do her exam. They may not always be able to accomodate you, but there is no harm in trying.

allnurses Guide · Sep 13, 2005

No, it isn't inappropriate.

But there is no guarantee that an erection won't occur anyway.

steph

Cute_CNA, CNA · Sep 13, 2005

I think that is perfectly fine. You are the consumer, and it shouldn't require any great lengths to simply get a professional of the same sex.

I prefer a gynecologist that is female. I met a creepy male one several years ago, and ever since, I've wanted a female gynec. So I understand.

CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 13, 2005

I've been in a few (actually, only two) situations where females asked for care from other females (especially during my CNA clincals). I don't mind. There were some situations where I wish the pt would have wanted a female, but were perfectly fine with me. :chuckle

As a fellow male, I know that those things could happen at the worst of times. If a female can ask for a female provider, men can do the same. During my last physical, I had to think of my family members to help me out. :stone

CrazyPremed

DusktilDawn · Sep 13, 2005

I am 24, and I had and epididymis infection in my left testicle a few months ago, and I waited two weeks before going to a doctor (I was in so much pain I could barely walk) I was waiting for the male doctor and male PA to return. I explained to them, that I waited because I was afraid of getting an erection if I had seen the female doctor. I know it was crazy for me to have waited, but I was terrified the female doctor and female nurse would examine my package.
Other than this kind of situation, I have no problem going to a female doctor or female nurse because I know they are just as capable as their male counterparts.
Is it inappropriate for men to ask for a male doctor or male nurse to do a genital examination?

I think it is also important for the patient to be as comfortable as possible whatever the situation. If women can request females for their care or certain aspects of their care, then I don't see why men can't have comparable requests respected in a similar fashion. The only time I can see this being a problem where I work is if there is not a male available to provide that care.

military spouse · Sep 13, 2005

I'm going for a "female" visit next month and requested a female nurse practitioner. There is a variety of health providers and I see nothing wrong with making a request to feel more comfortable

Altra, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2005

I am 24, and I had and epididymis infection in my left testicle a few months ago, and I waited two weeks before going to a doctor (I was in so much pain I could barely walk) I was waiting for the male doctor and male PA to return.

I agree, it is certainly your right to ask if your preference for a male clinician can be accommodated. However, it would concern me that you delayed seeking treatment for an acute condition because of this preference.

I greatly prefer a female gynecologist, but if I were having an acute problem, particularly painful one, my preference would immediately take a back seat to fixing the problem ASAP.

ktwlpn, LPN · Sep 13, 2005

I know it was crazy for me to have waited, but I was terrified the female doctor and female nurse would examine my package.
Is it inappropriate for men to ask for a male doctor or male nurse to do a genital examination?

-While I agree that it is certainly within your rights as a consumer to request medical services from someone whom you feel comfortable with I have to add "Get over yourself" What makes you think any professional is interested in sizing up your package? Were you terrified they would find you somehow lacking?

NurCrystal22 · Sep 13, 2005

I am 24, and I had and epididymis infection in my left testicle a few months ago, and I waited two weeks before going to a doctor (I was in so much pain I could barely walk) I was waiting for the male doctor and male PA to return. I explained to them, that I waited because I was afraid of getting an erection if I had seen the female doctor. I know it was crazy for me to have waited, but I was terrified the female doctor and female nurse would examine my package.
Other than this kind of situation, I have no problem going to a female doctor or female nurse because I know they are just as capable as their male counterparts.
Is it inappropriate for men to ask for a male doctor or male nurse to do a genital examination?

Some may disagree, but I think it's appropriate. However, if they don't have a male doctor or nurse, you may just have to settle.... but you CAN ask. I usually ask for a female nurse or doctor when it comes to female matters because I'm just more comfortable with that, but if one isn't available then I have to take what I can get. But just so you know, health care professionals.... and I emphasize the word PROFESSIONALS, know that erections due sometimes occur when that area is stimulated, although I don't think you have much to worry about considering the amount of pain it was causing you.

~Crystal

tbrd450 · Apr 25, 2010

I can relate. As a younger man, I was afraid of getting some things done that I should have (STD test) for fear that I would get an erection. I, myself, never really understood the involuntary nature of it. Sometimes blood just wants to flow in that direction and it has absolutely nothing to do with sexuality, etc. I've long since come to realize, however, that medical professionals understand that. A female doc, or nurse, will understand your body better than you. I just would have liked to have not worried about it ... know what I mean? The unnecessary worry almost prevented me from seeking care.

Could, maybe, a brochure explaining it be presented beforehand....something like... this is the procedure, this is what we will do, this may happen, ... it means nothing.... it happens to other men/boys and it doesn't mean you are a weirdo, or that we think you are a weirdo, etc.... ??

I never knew it was fairly common in some medical situations, under some circumstances, for young males (particularly younger males) to get erections until I dated a nurse and she told me about some of her experiences.