[Jamie89]

Originally Posted by Livia

It's isn't just fear of assault. I want a female who gets me because she's been there herself. Sadly, medics are just human beings. Although the majority will be great, there will be a few who are not. If I requested a female medic on religious grounds the request would be met immediately. I don't understand why that's acceptable and simply choosing a female - and I mean a born female - to examine you.

And as for your original question, I have always found the NHS, despite their shortage of funds and overwork, will always go the extra mile to make someone comfortable if they are able. If a man would prefer a woman medic, and one is available, I'm sure they would make it so.

Originally Posted by DemolitionRed

A man can't just request a female nurse or doctor but if there are issues then that obviously has to be considered. Any patient has a right to have a chaperone (normally a health assistant or nurse)

Ok thanks both. It's not something I've ever really thought about before but thinking about it now, I can't imagine feeling a preference of the gender of my doctor, say if it was a prostate exam or something where a male doctor might understand better what it's like to go through one. So I get where you're coming from Livia I just struggle to really understand it I suppose since I don't feel it myself. Maybe bots is right and it's more a male/female thing. Makes me wonder if a part of it is actually due to women being more likely to be shamed over their bodies, feeling judged by men, general objectification of women in society compared to men, and all of that having an impact.