Revealed: Frequently asked Gynecology questions by men

Men don’t routinely visit Gynecologists . But some harbor anxieties when their female partners attend for Gynecological consultations. Over the years, I have had multitudes of questions from men, some anonymously and others in person. For those not bold enough to seek answers in person, here’s a glimpse of what many may have always wanted to know.

Are internal examinations done every time women visit their Gynecologists?

The answer is no.Internal examinations should only be done for very good reasons, and not on a whim. All intimate examinations should be done in the presence of a chaperone to negate any potential misdemeanors in either party. If a chaperone is not offered, or if declined, appropriate documentation must be made.

Can an abnormal Pap smear affect the male sexual partner?

Minor changes on the cervix are fairly common, and either resolve spontaneously or require specific treatment. There are no untoward effects on men, but psychological effects in either or both partners may interfere with intimacy.

Fertility

Fertility problems are fairly common, and there is a biased belief that the problem is usually with the women. Surely, men can’t have any fertility problems?Far from the truth, men are the cause of fertility problems in about a third of all cases. The surest way is for men to accompany their partners to a joint consultation and get basic tests done, thereby resting the matter.

Does pregnancy mandate sexual abstention?

The general answer is no. Sexual intercourse in pregnancy is generally safe. There are only a handful of pregnancy complications where abstention may be advised, for example if waters rupture prematurely or in certain cases of heavy bleeding in pregnancy. Adjustments may be necessary to accommodate pregnancy changes that may interfere with certain positions, or the female partner’s desires.

What about after delivery?

A common concern with men is that pregnancy and delivery causes irreversible bodily changes, and that pre-pregnancy levels of intimacy and enjoyment are no longer achievable. Pre-pregnancy physique can be achieved with physical exercise and healthy diet.Instead of whingeing, men can play an active role in helping their partners get back to desirable physiques.

Some men want to know why there are so many male Gynecologists, and if male Gynecologists are somehow wacky.

Male predominance has been by default, and the vast majority are not wacky. There is now a reversal of trends where the majority of graduating Gynecologists are women. If any couple are only comfortable with a female Gynecologist, such a choice must always be respected and facilitated.

Occasionally, a man comes along and wants to know details of his wife’s consultation.

The answer must always be no. The medical law is unambiguous on confidentiality. Husbands have no legal right to their spouse’s medical information, Gynecologists can only divulge such information with written consent of the woman concerned.