Doc: Guy vs. Girl?

leahost · June 2012

So I'm scheduling my first visit with the OB (I'm 7 weeks) and I prefer a woman doctor, but the OB's near where we just moved (literally this week) are all men and the one my Dr. recommended is a guy. Does anyone feel weird with a guy OB??

And on a side note - how do I put my baby ticker in the bottom of my post!?

ericalee27 · June 2012

There are both men and women in my OB practice, and I see all of them throughout my pregnancy. Actually, one of the males is my absolute favorite and I hope he delivers #2! It doesn't weird me out at all...

colinsfebmommy · June 2012

I have had a guy my whole life, it doesn't bother me. And my OB is so awesome I now hae 8 people going to him. I don't look at guy/girl, it is who makes me feel comfortable. My girlfriend who now goes to my guy used to have only women but I recommended him and now she loves him.

ellephunt · June 2012

I used to prefer a woman but after countless visits with a male RE and talking about my sex life, body, uterus I got over it. I go to who I trust and is good.

CutieBean79 · June 2012

I was nervous the first time I saw a male GYN, but he came with a high recommendation from my mom. Since then, I've seen both men & women & I honestly have no preference. It doesn't even dawn on me anymore. Many times a female nurse is in there anyway.

Create a ticker: https://global.thebump.com/tickers/default.aspx

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annmengland · June 2012

i actually started off with a male gyn. he was awesome but unfortunately died in a freak accident. I switched to the woman in his practice and I HATED her with a passion. Now I am with a female dr. and love her.. so i guess it just depends on how comfortable you are with either a guy or girl dr. good luck!

for the ticker... just copy and paste the code for it.. go to your edit profile.. udate my avatar and sig and put it in there.. hope this helps!

gsalyer06 · June 2012

I've had both male and female doctors and I don't have a preference. My current OB is a man and I don't have any desire to switch.

One thing to keep in mind-unless you go to a really small practice, there's a high probability that your primary OB won't be the one who delivers your baby. I would recommend seeing several doctors during your pregnancy so you can eliminate the possibility of having a doctor you don't know deliver your child.

wifeofadam · June 2012

I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

101Mims · June 2012

I have a guy OB/GYN and he is fantastic.

My GP asked if I had wanted a male or female, and I said I just wanted the best.and that is what I got.

My DH comes with me on every visit and has no probs with it. Ive heard that male OB/GYN?s are much more gentle and he certainly has been.

Im so pleased he willl be going thru this pregnancy with us too.

carrielb12 · June 2012

ellephunt:
I used to prefer a woman but after countless visits with a male RE and talking about my sex life, body, uterus I got over it. I go to who I trust and is good.

This to a T.

hstaples4 · June 2012

I've seen both in the past, male and female. I have no preference at all, I've had great experiences with both genders.

It's what ever you're going to feel more comfortable with.

mulkyann · June 2012

There are only men in the clinic I go to. It is not strange at all.

pitterpatter129 · June 2012

+adamwife+:

I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

I kind of feel the opposite about this. I guess because my last OB was pregnant and due the same day as me, and her replacement when she had the baby early had twins, neither of them seemed to really care about your pregnancy complaints! They had "been there, done that" themselves and pretty much told you to suck it up. The man in the practice (big practice, saw every doctor a few times) had by far the most compassion, because he didn't know what you were really going through, and so he assumed if you were complaining about it, then you must feel like you were dying. My sister had a man OB and she said the same thing, that he was really nice and stayed with her the entire time she was in labor. I didn't see my woman OB until she came to do a csection! The nurse was the only "doctor" in the room while I was in actual labor. I think it just depends. Like all people, some doctors you will "mesh well" with and others you will hate. Don't feel bad changing doctors if you start with one and despise them. I would pick an OB based on patient ratings and referals from other people, not whether they are male or female. I personally will be seeing a male this time, because he is the top rated OB in our city and one of only two doctors in my area who will allow a vbac.

wifeofadam · June 2012

pitterpatter129:
+adamwife+:

I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

I kind of feel the opposite about this. I guess because my last OB was pregnant and due the same day as me, and her replacement when she had the baby early had twins, neither of them seemed to really care about your pregnancy complaints! They had "been there, done that" themselves and pretty much told you to suck it up. The man in the practice (big practice, saw every doctor a few times) had by far the most compassion, because he didn't know what you were really going through, and so he assumed if you were complaining about it, then you must feel like you were dying. My sister had a man OB and she said the same thing, that he was really nice and stayed with her the entire time she was in labor. I didn't see my woman OB until she came to do a csection! The nurse was the only "doctor" in the room while I was in actual labor. I think it just depends. Like all people, some doctors you will "mesh well" with and others you will hate. Don't feel bad changing doctors if you start with one and despise them. I would pick an OB based on patient ratings and referals from other people, not whether they are male or female. I personally will be seeing a male this time, because he is the top rated OB in our city and one of only two doctors in my area who will allow a vbac.

I guess I should have added that I don't have any experience with OBs (male or female). I've only ever used midwives for the reasons I stated above. The quality of care is amazing. Prenatal visits last an hour and cover nutritional and emotional health, not just the growth and development of the baby/physical symptoms of mom.

jarebearsmom · June 2012

+adamwife+:
I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

Because of that reason (females knowing what we go through) I feel that males are more gentle because they don't know. I love my male OB and wouldn't go to anyone else. But it's all in what you are comfortable with

Pad7 · June 2012

My first apt with a gyn was a male but both my ob docs have been female. When I went looking for a new doc due to a relocation, I didn't care male or female. To my surprise my husband preferred it be a female. So I agreed to start with a female, we got lucky, we love her!!

bells039 · June 2012

I would rather have a man but then again my ob has always been a man. I love my OB so I would change unless he retires.

theburitanii · June 2012

I had a guy doctor my first go around and I thought nothing of it.

It's under profile > edit siggy and avatar in the box at the bottom

kelly321 · June 2012

+adamwife+:
I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

That's a pretty sexist statement.

As others have said, I think male OBs can be compassionate because they don't know what you're going through and so they assume it's as you say it is (not all will think that, of course, but the good ones do). And for the record, where I live it's normal to have complementary OB and midwife care. I love my midwife and I love my male OB. My female OB I grew to really dislike during my last pregnancy. She dismissed my concerns and treated me like crap when I started having problems, so I switched.

And to the original poster - I think what's most important is not the sex of your OB but whether you and s/he get along and have a common idea of what your pregnancy care and birth should entail.

pitterpatter129 · June 2012

+adamwife+:
pitterpatter129:
+adamwife+:

I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

I kind of feel the opposite about this. I guess because my last OB was pregnant and due the same day as me, and her replacement when she had the baby early had twins, neither of them seemed to really care about your pregnancy complaints! They had "been there, done that" themselves and pretty much told you to suck it up. The man in the practice (big practice, saw every doctor a few times) had by far the most compassion, because he didn't know what you were really going through, and so he assumed if you were complaining about it, then you must feel like you were dying. My sister had a man OB and she said the same thing, that he was really nice and stayed with her the entire time she was in labor. I didn't see my woman OB until she came to do a csection! The nurse was the only "doctor" in the room while I was in actual labor. I think it just depends. Like all people, some doctors you will "mesh well" with and others you will hate. Don't feel bad changing doctors if you start with one and despise them. I would pick an OB based on patient ratings and referals from other people, not whether they are male or female. I personally will be seeing a male this time, because he is the top rated OB in our city and one of only two doctors in my area who will allow a vbac.

I guess I should have added that I don't have any experience with OBs (male or female). I've only ever used midwives for the reasons I stated above. The quality of care is amazing. Prenatal visits last an hour and cover nutritional and emotional health, not just the growth and development of the baby/physical symptoms of mom.

Yeah, I'm sure midwives are an entirely different experience! I thought about using one with our first baby, but my insurance doesn't cover it at all. Also, around here, you can only have a homebirth with a midwife, and that's just not my cup of tea (probably good since I needed an emergency csection too!) I wish we had midwives that were covered and practiced at the hospital or a birthing center. I would love that experience! This time, I'm hoping for a vbac and a doula!

holly321 · June 2012

jarebearsmom:
+adamwife+:

I refuse to see a man. I mean, if it were an emergency and I HAD to, I would, but if given the choice I would never want to be seen by a man. It's not just for modesty reasons, but also because I believe that a woman (especially one that has been through pregnancy and childbirth) has the ability to give better care. There is an empathy and an understanding about the importance of the birth experience that I feel a man can't fully wrap his mind around.

ETA - I'm not saying all women have that empathy and understanding, just that women are capable of having it and I don't think men are at all.

Because of that reason (females knowing what we go through) I feel that males are more gentle because they don't know. I love my male OB and wouldn't go to anyone else. But it's all in what you are comfortable with

I agree with this. I see a male, and he is very compassionate. And I think he makes DH feel more comfortable.

tulipblossom · June 2012

It doesn't matter to me. As long as your doctor listens to you and treats you like an individual not just "a pregnant lady with pregnancy issues" that is what really matters. For what its worth I had a male OB for my last pregnancy and he was amazing, I also saw a female midwife on days he wasn't available. I preferred the last appointment of the day with a preference for Fridays and he wasn't always available for that but it made no difference. I also had never met the midwife who delivered DD until it was time to push but again it didn't matter. But then again I am a very go with the flow girl.

behapy2day · June 2012

I see a male obgyn, and he was the most compassionate person during my m/c. He has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever been to (I had a female GYN back in college). I think you should go with whoever you are most comfortable with, and have an open mind.

ajetter · June 2012

gsalyer06:
One thing to keep in mind-unless you go to a really small practice, there's a high probability that your primary OB won't be the one who delivers your baby. I would recommend seeing several doctors during your pregnancy so you can eliminate the possibility of having a doctor you don't know deliver your child.

I go to a large practice, and even though there is a possibility my primary OB won't be able to delivery, my office never schedules patients with other docs. But honestly? She wasn't able to deliver DD, and at that point I didn't care, I just wanted the baby out. The doctor who did deliver her was incredibly nice and did a great job.

OP I'm a little iffy about going to a male OB/GYN, but if they are recommended and other people trust them, then I wouldn't think it is a huge deal.

MexiCali · June 2012

When I was 16 my OB was a 60+ year old scrawny grey haired man. that creeped me the F out. Now that I am adult I don't see the difference. The only reason I would prefer a female over a male is they have/might have been through what I have will go through. That would be the only positive.

leahost · June 2012

Thanks everyone! I think this really helps - I'm basically going to meet the (male) Doc that got a high recommendation from my (female) Primary Doc. If I get weirded out, I'll go to another - I like the idea that it's more a fit than a male vs. female thing! THANKS!! (And I figured out the ticker!!) Double Thanks!

KansasFarmMomma · June 2012

I don't have an ob/gyn. I have a man who is our family doctor. He delivered DS & will deliver this one too. I absolutely love him. I don't want to ever go to anyone else.

amywalt1684 · June 2012

There are only 2 OBs at my doctors office, 1 is a woman and 1 is a man. I love both of them and I am completely comfortable with both.

They are both super easygoing, down to earth, and have young families like us. The only thing is that the male doctor is pretty hot. Made me feel a little uncomfortable at first and then I realized... he does this all day and everyday. My crotch is no worse or better than the next, LOL!

PLUS major bonus - The male OB's schedule is never nearly as full as the female's schedule so I can always get a more desired date/time for my appointments with him.

krissywave · June 2012

Before getting prego or dealing with IF I only wanted to see a female OBGYN. Than all this IF issues happen and the only ones in the closet pratice was all MALES. So since that I really dont care. After time it will just feel natural.

meggipi5 · June 2012

I might be weirded out if he were really hot. I just switched to a man and it was totally fine!

D&S724 · June 2012

I have a male OB who delivered my first two kids. He's great! Initially it felt awkward because he's relatively young and good looking to boot. He was highly recommended, and I've been going to him for over 6 years now!

mom2b22013 · June 2012

For DS I had a woman who I only saw 2 times. The rest of the time it was a mix of the doctors. After giving birth and having everything out there for the many people in the room I really don't care if they are a male of a female as long as they are a great doctor and listen to me.

My new male doctor was highly recommended from a Doctor friend and I really like him!

Kristen1186 · June 2012

I am going to a male doctor. I worked at an OB clinic awhile ago, and the male doctors always cared more than the female ones at that clinic. While this may not hold true every where, after working there I made the decision to see a male. Also, after asking around I found most people recommended this particular OB so it works out! It's all about what you will feel comfortable with. You can always try the male, and if it is too uncomfortable then switch

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