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[CardioQueen]

Hello ladies,

After some unexpected bleeding on HRT, my GP has referred me for an ultrasound. All good, I thought, until I was informed today that it will be a vaginal procedure with a MALE sonographer. I don't usually baulk at many things, but this doesn't strike me as appropriate, especially given smears and mammograms I've had have been with exclusively female staff. Even with a chaparone I'm really not comfortable with this, but it was presented in a very matter of fact, this is what will happen, way.

Am I being unreasonable? Currently not at all happy and wondering if I should ask to reschedule with female staff ...

[Tinkerbell]

My daughter recently had a scan and letter said it may be a male sonographer.She phoned up and said she was not happy and they noted it down, she had a female sonographer for it when she attended.

[VioletAquarius]

I understand how you feel, and I felt the same, but I've had a few internal scans with both male and female, and the males were more gentler than the females, I even had a bit of pain with one female (due to cyst on ovary, she was too harsh with me).

You could ring up and ask if it's possible to reschedule, there's no harm in asking, and see what they say.

[Fuzzwhizzer]

I went for a recent scan and although the young girl doing (a student I think) she was very good but the main sonographer supervising her was a young man, who also happened to be very good looking eek. I didn’t worry about it as my desire to get to the bottom (😁) of my health situation overrode any other worries. Plus it was a day out! Good luck with whoever does yours I’m sure they’ll be great anyway! Best wishes for a smooth experience!

[sheila99]

This came recently (though it might have been mammograms, I can't remember) and it seems to be a push by the nhs for sexual equality rather than a shortage of staff. I think it's up to you, if you're not comfortable with it then ask for a women. It troubles me a bit that the sort of men who want to poke things up women's private parts are more likely to be sort you definitely don't want anywhere near you.

[CLKD]

Until recently all GPs, Consultants etc. were male, who I have found to be more knowledgeable about my personal places than women might be.  Because historically women were told 'not to touch down there'.

If U aren't comfortable then ring the Dept and talk about it.  I wouldn't want a male midwife ........... though from what I read in the recent Press women aren't always that empathetic!

[CardioQueen]

Thanks, ladies

I must admit I was surprised I felt as bothered as I did ... I have absolutely no issues discussing anything gynacological with male doctors, and indeed my HRT was originally prescribed by an excellent male GP. However, I've only ever been offered female staff for smears and mammograms, so had assumed it would the same for the pelvic/trans-vaginal scan (or I'd at least have been asked about a preference).

I think the question of empathy (or lack of) is definitely hit and miss in the NHS, regardless of gender. My local GP service is absolutely brilliant though.

I called the scan provider this morning and have rearranged for just two days later in a different (but still local) clinic. If it would have led to a big delay I'd have stuck with the male staff and gritted my teeth.

[MadameOvary]

Well done Cardio. I would have done the same. It's a very vulnerable position to be in and totally reasonable to request a female sonographer.