Male medical specialists are common in various medical fields in Singapore. However, while more men enter the field of obstetricians and gynaecologists in recent years, they are still rare and considered as a minority.
Over the years, men have slowly found their place in the OB/GYN field and the field is no longer treated as a women-to-women care matter. Here are seven interesting reasons why women may prefer visiting male gynaecologists.
They can be easy to talk to
Male gynaecologists are patient and willing to explain essential points to their patients. Some patients like how their male gynaecologists take time to listen to them attentively and answer their questions with tact.
At the same time, male gynaecologists are confident, and this confidence makes their patients feel more at ease, especially when going through heart-breaking conditions, such as ovarian cancer or miscarriage.
Males can understand female anatomy too
Female gynaecologists have an advantage over their male counterparts since they share the same anatomy as female patients, allowing them to empathise with their struggles and concerns. Nevertheless, one does not have to be a female to understand female anatomy. Men can also understand it with proper knowledge and experience. Hence, gender is not an issue, and some patients are reassured as long as their male gynaecologists have the required qualifications and can provide the necessary quality care.
They are equally experienced
Male gynaecologists are equally experienced and knowledgeable as their female counterparts. Both male and female gynaecologists learn the same knowledge and undergo similar training. Some male gynaecologists also excel in certain fields of gynaecology, such as gynaecological laparoscopy.
A study released by the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found most patients do not show gender bias when choosing an obstetrician-gynaecologist, and up to eight per cent of patients surveyed felt that gender does not affect quality care. Several other factors, including the gynaecologists’ knowledge and experience, are considered more important than gender preference when choosing the best gynaecologist in Singapore.
Moreover, research published in the Military Medicine pointed out that over ninety per cent of survey respondents believed that the physician’s personal experience and reputation are the essential factors to consider when selecting an obstetrician-gynaecologist.
They can be easy to talk to
Some patients like visiting a male gynaecologist since they are compassionate, open-minded and friendly, allowing them to be more comfortable discussing their reproductive health and disclosing sensitive issues, such as painful intercourse, abnormal vagin*l discharge and sexually-transmitted disease. Since proper care is highly dependent on the number of information patients are willing to share; patients who feel comfortable talking about their concerns will significantly help the gynaecologists provide the appropriate treatment.
They broke the common stereotype
An increasing number of patients today are acknowledging male gynaecologist’s proficiency and competency. Instead of being uncanny and unnerving, many gynaecologists are kind and empathetic.
Male gynaecologists believe that being in the field is a great honour. They respect women and love the idea of being involved in the meaningful phase of women’s lives, which include their reproductive health, sexual health, abortion care, cancer care, and guiding them through their childbearing period.
They are caring and humorous
Apart from knowing their stuff, another primary reason why patients love their male gynaecologists is that they are caring and hilarious. They know how to make their patients laugh even during nerve-racking and painful times like during delivery.
Conclusion
More women are willing to visit male gynaecologists in recent years and prefer them over their female counterparts. Most patients do not have gender bias and do not believe gender can impact quality care. Rather than gender preference, patients consider factors like the gynaecologist’s knowledge, personal experience and reputation more critical in obstetrician-gynaecologist selection.
