Male vs Female OB?

2-Step · May 2011

Is your OB a male or a female and did you have a reason for choosing male vs. female?

Mine is a male. I didn't specifically request a male, but I requested the nurse's favorite doctor and they sent me to him. So far I like him better than any female doctors I have had. I have friends who say they would NEVER see a male though. Just curious what the majority is.

vanessa11411 · May 2011

The doctor who delivered DD was male and now I am seeing a female. To me it makes no difference.

Luna12011 · May 2011

I have a female doctor. I prefer female doctors because they go through the same things I go though. Granted I know not all women have kids, but they do experience most of the female shennanigans I do. That may sound stupid to some, but thats my reasoning.

ArcadianDreams · May 2011

My practice has both so it depends who you draw that day. I've had appointments with two of the men so far and I think the first was only awkward because it was the first time I had a male gyn. I have him again and my 16week appointment and am looking forward to seeing if I still like him.

Interestingly, I've also had an appointment with one of the two women that work there and really didn't like the vibe with her. But my teenage OB was a woman and I loved her.

jessica102706 · May 2011

Mine is male as well. I didnt have a preference but I went to him based on referrals. I heard great things about him from a few different people so I picked him. Not to say that there arent great female OBs out there but I wanted to go with someone I knew a lot about and trusted (especially after hearing horror stories from others).

angiegail78 · May 2011

I have a female OB and wanted one just because I feel more comfortable. I don't think that the sex of the doctor has any bearing on how good they are though.

ginogomermisser · May 2011

For years, I was terrified to see a male doctor. Until, DH and I needed fertility treatments and basically when its ovulation time, you see whoever is on call. My first experience with the male doctor in the practice was with our 1st IUI cycle and DH couldnt go to this second insemination. I was terrified and couldnt stop shaking....He was excellent and honestly wouldn't mind seeing him again.

Since my first IUI with this male doctor, I saw the second male doctor in the practice for the IUI that worked. He was also great.

I have learned alot through my infertility treatments and diagnosis procedures. I honestly feel that the female doctor doesnt have as much sympathy for any discomforts or pain. The first IUI(1st cycle) was done by a female and my cervix wasnt opening and so she had to clamp it. Oucccchhh. She stated that it shouldnt have hurt that bad. Really??? The next day, I went to the male and explained how much pain I had. He looked at the chart and explained that timing couldve been off a bit with the cervix and she had to clamp it open. He then said that at anytime, I couldnt handle it anymore, He would stop. During the process, he kept saying "hang on hun, one more second, I'm so sorry" and then it was done.

I love all the doctors within my practice but my perspective has changed. I still feel weird though about a male seeing my privates..hahhaha

ptreebride2006 · May 2011

I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes Smile

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers Surprise

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous Smile

mayabeth · May 2011

Personally I am just more comfortable having a female OB. I have had exams by male OB's before, and they always made me really anxious. It's just personal preference.

MrsNash37212 · May 2011

Mine is male and I prefer one. My first GYN was a woman, and she just was not gentle or sensitive at all. Had a very "been there, done that" attitude about everything. I'm sure they're not all that way, but every male OB/GYN I've ever had has been super sensitive to my comfort level and I think it's because they know that they don't "know" what it all feels like. They're more likely to listen to a problem/situation and go through all of the possibilities in their heads. In my experience, anyway.

2-Step · May 2011

ptreebride2006:

I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

I kind of get where you are coming from. I had a few female doctors who seemed judgemental and kind of preachy about what THEY do or what I should be doing. My male doctor has always been super comforting and caring and listens well and just kind of does his thing without giving off any know-it-allness because he doesn't know it all because he doesn't own a vj. In a way I feel like he is trying harder to listen and understand me than to judge me based on his own experiences. However, I am 100% positive there are great female OBs out there. I just think I had some bad luck and that is why I like my male OB better.

Catkel1202 · May 2011

ptreebride2006:
I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

Ha, you crack me up! I never thought about it that way, but it does make sense in way. Although, having a gay male doctor now actually makes me think more about the female perspective you mentioned...all my gay male friends are so grossed out by vaginas, and they are the first ones to point out my cellulite or hygiene lapses!

For me, I picked a female when I started going to a gynecologist at 18, as at the time it felt the most comfortable. I've changed doctors several times, and always just ended up with a female. At this point I don't think I would have a problem with a male doctor, but won't go actively seeking one out, because I've always has good experiences with women (except the Russian woman I saw one time, but that's a whole different story!)

Froggy76 · May 2011

I have only ever seen females and I haven't yet found one I've liked. I've been thinking of switching docs to a practice that is just two males because they have terrific reviews online. It will be weird at first, but it's more important to me that I like the doctor.

I think the quality of the doctor totally depends on the individual, but the top rated practice in my area has only males, so I'll just have to get over my fears of seeing a male OB.

jkillin · May 2011

My personal preference is female. One, because I think they typically are more sympathetic to the needs of a pregnant woman. Also, I was sexually abused when I was a teenager, so I feel more comfortable with a female, especially how "intimate" an OB has to be with you... Everyone has their preference and this is mine.

JillianAshley6 · May 2011

ptreebride2006:

I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

This is ...offensive to say the least. Wow. I work with medical students, and have both male and female students that have become Ob/gyns and that are currently interested. I can guarantee you they don't think like this. Med students/residents/doctors enjoy Ob/gyn for several reasons-its a semi surgical specialty (meaning they still get to cut-which most students enjoy), the anatomy is complex, and the entire process of conceiving and giving birth is absolutely fascinating. Not because they "like vaginas" or are out there to judge other women.

But maybe I'm just being a "judgmental little hooker" by replying negatively to your post. Whatever.

Anyways. I've had both male and female doctors-I usually pick my doctor based on recommendations, the state of their medical license (no infractions or actions against them) and asking other doctors around the community who they would recommend. I have lived in 3 different cities in which I needed an Ob/Gyn, and this is what I did all three seperate times-and everytime I have been extremely happy. My current doctor is a male, and absolutely fantastic. He's been gentle, proactive about my fertility issues, and genuinely happy to see my H and I get pg. I'll stick with him as long as I'm here.

HokieLaw · May 2011

I think it depends on the specific doctor. I used to see a female for my yearly checkups and would go to her for my pregnancy but she moved. I picked a male for my new doctor. Some of my friends have told me the other female obs in the area are pushy and overwhelming so I should pick the specific male doctor. SO I went with him.

ptreebride2006 · May 2011

JillianAshley6:
ptreebride2006:

I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

This is ...offensive to say the least. Wow. I work with medical students, and have both male and female students that have become Ob/gyns and that are currently interested. I can guarantee you they don't think like this. Med students/residents/doctors enjoy Ob/gyn for several reasons-its a semi surgical specialty (meaning they still get to cut-which most students enjoy), the anatomy is complex, and the entire process of conceiving and giving birth is absolutely fascinating. Not because they "like vaginas" or are out there to judge other women.

But maybe I'm just being a "judgmental little hooker" by replying negatively to your post. Whatever.

Well, first of all, I'm sorry that you are offended. I think perhaps you read my statement in a different way than I meant it. I'm not saying that men get into ob/gyn because they love vaginas and want to stare at them all day or anything and women just want to stare at other women's parts and make comments...I was just stating that we are all human and men simply don't care as much about that kind of stuff like women do. And if you can honestly tell me that you have sat with a women's knees spread around your head and been able to concentrate on the work at hand without thinking "oh cute toe nail polish she has" or "oh, she didn't shave her legs today" or whatever, then you are a saint and I commend you for it! But, I imagine most women probably sit there and think humanly things that women think about other women all the time! And that's not a diss on women, but its just what we do! We all internally look at other women's hair or makeup or clothes or whatever.

JillianAshley6 · May 2011

ptreebride2006:
JillianAshley6:
ptreebride2006:

I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

This is ...offensive to say the least. Wow. I work with medical students, and have both male and female students that have become Ob/gyns and that are currently interested. I can guarantee you they don't think like this. Med students/residents/doctors enjoy Ob/gyn for several reasons-its a semi surgical specialty (meaning they still get to cut-which most students enjoy), the anatomy is complex, and the entire process of conceiving and giving birth is absolutely fascinating. Not because they "like vaginas" or are out there to judge other women.

But maybe I'm just being a "judgmental little hooker" by replying negatively to your post. Whatever.

Well, first of all, I'm sorry that you are offended. I think perhaps you read my statement in a different way than I meant it. I'm not saying that men get into ob/gyn because they love vaginas and want to stare at them all day or anything and women just want to stare at other women's parts and make comments...I was just stating that we are all human and men simply don't care as much about that kind of stuff like women do. And if you can honestly tell me that you have sat with a women's knees spread around your head and been able to concentrate on the work at hand without thinking "oh cute toe nail polish she has" or "oh, she didn't shave her legs today" or whatever, then you are a saint and I commend you for it! But, I imagine most women probably sit there and think humanly things that women think about other women all the time! And that's not a diss on women, but its just what we do! We all internally look at other women's hair or makeup or clothes or whatever.

I just don't know what to say. No, I don't find it necessary or automatic to judge others on their appearance 24/7. I find it strange that you do.

ETA: And I'm 100% not a saint. There are times I judge others (usually not on appearance but sometimes)-but definitely not when I'm working or interacting with my students or the docs I work with. I would never get anything done. My point exactly-an Ob/gyn is a professional (believe me, they are-getting through med school isn't easy and the professional standards are HIGH), and they have seen so many people, so many vaginas/uterus'/ovaries/etc that they aren't judging.

Liz1485 · May 2011

I asked for a female doctor for one reason and one reason alone. Small hands. It was a suggestion from one of my cousins and I thank her for it. I love her. She's super nice and smiley and she puts up my DH's off color jokes during visits.

JillianAshley6 · May 2011

Liz1485:
I asked for a female doctor for one reason and one reason alone. Small hands. It was a suggestion from one of my cousins and I thank her for it. I love her. She's super nice and smiley and she puts up my DH's off color jokes during visits.

My doc usually just checks me with a finger or two...not the entire hand....If your doctor is using her whole hand, she's doing it wrong. hahahaha

2-Step · May 2011

JillianAshley6:

Liz1485:
I asked for a female doctor for one reason and one reason alone. Small hands. It was a suggestion from one of my cousins and I thank her for it. I love her. She's super nice and smiley and she puts up my DH's off color jokes during visits.

My doc usually just checks me with a finger or two...not the entire hand....If your doctor is using her whole hand, she's doing it wrong. hahahaha

LOL!

CheriCO · May 2011

I see midwives, so female. Over the course of my life, I think I've been to 3 male OBs (all when I was pretty young...middle school to college) and lots of females. Before I started seeing the midwives, I always (in the past 14yrs) requested a female. I just didn't have good experiences with those weird old dudes I saw in the past. I'm not really a touchy-feely kind of person, but I much prefer the more personal, caring vibe I get from midwives vs. OBs.

CheriCO · May 2011

JillianAshley6:
This is ...offensive to say the least. Wow. I work with medical students, and have both male and female students that have become Ob/gyns and that are currently interested. I can guarantee you they don't think like this. Med students/residents/doctors enjoy Ob/gyn for several reasons-its a semi surgical specialty (meaning they still get to cut-which most students enjoy), the anatomy is complex, and the entire process of conceiving and giving birth is absolutely fascinating. Not because they "like vaginas" or are out there to judge other women.

But maybe I'm just being a "judgmental little hooker" by replying negatively to your post. Whatever.

Anyways. I've had both male and female doctors-I usually pick my doctor based on recommendations, the state of their medical license (no infractions or actions against them) and asking other doctors around the community who they would recommend. I have lived in 3 different cities in which I needed an Ob/Gyn, and this is what I did all three seperate times-and everytime I have been extremely happy. My current doctor is a male, and absolutely fantastic. He's been gentle, proactive about my fertility issues, and genuinely happy to see my H and I get pg. I'll stick with him as long as I'm here.

This (bolded part) scares me! Maybe that's why the c/s rate is soaring so high in this country.

Cort711 · May 2011

ptreebride2006:
I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes
I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"
Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers
My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

Haha! I definitely get what you're saying and can appreciate your sense of humor with this topic! lol

I don't care either way. The OB I'm going to works as a group so I see all of them for my appointments. Who knows who will be there in the delivery room!

riagal82 · May 2011

ptreebride2006:
I'm sure you will all laugh at my decision-making process, but I always tell it like it is...so here goes

I have always seen a male. To me, I feel like a male is like, "cool...it's a vagina, let's get to work" whereas a female may be thinking internal things like, "hmm...been 2-3 weeks since you last waxed?"...."oh..hello chunky thighs/cellulite/huge ass/etc"

Men are incredibly simple creatures. Put a vagina in front of them and they can get past whatever is around them and concentrate on work. Women on the other hand...well, we all know we are judgmental little hookers

My first GYN was a male; he retired eventually. He was nothing but professional and kind. My OB/GYN now is a wonderfully gay male who is so supportive and caring and fabulous

Can I just say I LOVE this answer that is so awesome and so true! HAHAHA

I used to prefer having a female gyn but once I started to see the male in the practice with my DD pregnancy I now prefer to see the male doctors. I felt the female doctors didn't have as good bedside manner

cynth1 · May 2011

Luna12011:
I have a female doctor. I prefer female doctors because they go through the same things I go though. Granted I know not all women have kids, but they do experience most of the female shennanigans I do. That may sound stupid to some, but thats my reasoning.

This exactly. My whole practice is women. They are wonderful.

RedCamaro · May 2011

My last one was a female, and my current one is too. I mostly choose my doctor based on schooling, and where they spent their residency as well as what they did during their residency. But I do feel a little more comfy with a doctor that has had a child herself (been there, done that, knows how it feels). However, I've heard that male doctors try to make up for that by being extra nice.

mbgreenwalt · May 2011

Mine is female. I didn't have a choice at my practice, they are all female. I would have likely chose a female anyways. Just more comfortable talking to a woman about woman issues.

Kalamazaar · May 2011

My OB is a group. There is one female and three males. I typically see the female, because I really like her but I have seen all the males too. I like them all except for one. I really don't have a preference. I just have to like them.

peanutboogie · May 2011

My OB is a male and I love him! I have seen a few female CNP that are with him but he is by far the best if you ask me:)

catch2010 · May 2011

The office I go to has a team of seven OBs, male and female, so you see a different one each time and whoever happens to be on-call when you go into labor will be there for the delivery. I have no preference, just want the baby here safe.

sarie1621 · May 2011

Right now, I see a female.

I've had a male before, and personally I didn't like him. But I've also had female OB's that I didn't like either.

This doctor that I have now, I first started seeing at 14 and then stopped seeing her at 18 because my insurance changed. Now, insurance cover's her again and I used her during my pregnancy with DD and obviously during this one I love her because she is very gentle and soft spoken, but listens and goes over every concern I have (which can be a lot!) and spends time explaining things to me. She is also very cautious which I think is necessary.

We're moving to live with my in-law's for awhile which is 2 hours away and I will be switching to my MIL's OB which is a male. I'm a little nervous but she absolutely adores him so hopefully it goes well He delivered my FI.. so it's cool and awkward at the same time lol!

jendenise0401 · May 2011

ginogomermisser:

For years, I was terrified to see a male doctor. Until, DH and I needed fertility treatments and basically when its ovulation time, you see whoever is on call. My first experience with the male doctor in the practice was with our 1st IUI cycle and DH couldnt go to this second insemination. I was terrified and couldnt stop shaking....He was excellent and honestly wouldn't mind seeing him again.

Since my first IUI with this male doctor, I saw the second male doctor in the practice for the IUI that worked. He was also great.

I have learned alot through my infertility treatments and diagnosis procedures. I honestly feel that the female doctor doesnt have as much sympathy for any discomforts or pain. The first IUI(1st cycle) was done by a female and my cervix wasnt opening and so she had to clamp it. Oucccchhh. She stated that it shouldnt have hurt that bad. Really??? The next day, I went to the male and explained how much pain I had. He looked at the chart and explained that timing couldve been off a bit with the cervix and she had to clamp it open. He then said that at anytime, I couldnt handle it anymore, He would stop. During the process, he kept saying "hang on hun, one more second, I'm so sorry" and then it was done.

I love all the doctors within my practice but my perspective has changed. I still feel weird though about a male seeing my privates..hahhaha

This, all of it just the same. Except I don't even think about it when he has to look down there. Hubby even went with me to last appt which happened to also be my pap smear and I really thought it would be awkward with tge 2 of them in there but it wasn't at all and we both really like this male dr. I never felt fully comfortable with my female gyn or her nurse practitioner.

KBBH · May 2011

This is a popular post! I have a female. I have been with her since I started going to the OBGYN in my early 20s. She is FABULOUS. I joke with DH that she knows my vagina as well as he does. LOL. I started with her because I definitely wanted a female. I felt that a female would be more understanding and just straight up with the exam, since she has what I have and goes through her own exams. I was just more comfortable with a female.

Now that we are preggers, I have to see all the docs in the practice because they don't know who will be on call when we go to deliver. That means that I will have to see some of the males there. This causes some anxiety for me. I have no choice, but it does make me a little uncomfortable...great for the white coat BP problem that always comes up when I am at the OBGYN.

So, we'll see how it goes, but I will continue to go to her once the little butter ball is born.

jseaton61 · May 2011

my OB is a female. when i first started seeing an OB in my teens, there was no way i would have a male doctor. now, i'm wishy washy about it. i've seen a male OB in the practice i go to, but there wasn't a physical exam.. just a follow up appointment after an ultrasound. i liked him though, and i told my husband if push came to shove i would feel comfortable with him delivering our baby.

i do prefer a female OB for the simple fact that, they get it. they have all the same parts as me and i think have a better understanding of how it all works.. yes, the male & female OBs receive the same education but there are some things that you just don't understand until you've experienced it. and no male OB has every experienced, first hand, what i'm going through. at least, that's how it works in my brain...

LauraElizabeth85 · May 2011

I have a male OB. I heard the female OB (in the area) is really rough...

JillianAshley6 · May 2011

CheriCO:
JillianAshley6:

This is ...offensive to say the least. Wow. I work with medical students, and have both male and female students that have become Ob/gyns and that are currently interested. I can guarantee you they don't think like this. Med students/residents/doctors enjoy Ob/gyn for several reasons-its a semi surgical specialty (meaning they still get to cut-which most students enjoy), the anatomy is complex, and the entire process of conceiving and giving birth is absolutely fascinating. Not because they "like vaginas" or are out there to judge other women.

But maybe I'm just being a "judgmental little hooker" by replying negatively to your post. Whatever.

Anyways. I've had both male and female doctors-I usually pick my doctor based on recommendations, the state of their medical license (no infractions or actions against them) and asking other doctors around the community who they would recommend. I have lived in 3 different cities in which I needed an Ob/Gyn, and this is what I did all three seperate times-and everytime I have been extremely happy. My current doctor is a male, and absolutely fantastic. He's been gentle, proactive about my fertility issues, and genuinely happy to see my H and I get pg. I'll stick with him as long as I'm here.

This (bolded part) scares me! Maybe that's why the c/s rate is soaring so high in this country.

Haha its just a phrase. Actually our students enjoy "catching" babies more than they do csections. I was referring to mostly Gyn procedures-cysts, fibroids, hysterectomys, tumor removals, etc. Most of those surgeries have immediate impacts-relief from pain (cysts, fibroids, hysterectomy), and I believe ovarian and cervical cancer is very treatable if caught early and tumors are removed. Its a rewarding specialty.

718gemini · May 2011

Mine's a woman, although the other dr in the practice is a man, so I don't know which one will end up being at my delivery. Most of my gynos have been women, but that's just a personal preference. I don't think one is inherently better than the other.

sccalla · May 2011

Neither.

I receive all of my prenatal care from CNMs (Certified Nurse Midwives) at a freestanding birth center. Unless I become high-risk, I intend to keep it this way for all future pregnancies as well. I never could have given birth med-free with out the support of the midwife who caught my son, and I hope to have a similar experience with this baby (less than 36 hours of active labor would be a nice change though!)

Male vs Female OB?

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