OT - question about gynecologist appt

Yesterday I saw the gynecologist recommended by my PCP, to discuss a possible tubal ligation.  The appt mostly went well except for an unepected insurance issue that means the procedure will end up costing me a lot more out of pocket than I was expecting.  I need to contact my insurance company to discuss that today.

I liked the doctor because he talked to me like he thought I knew what I was talking about, which is always good.  However, I had a question.  There was one thing that didn't quite feel right to me.

I had a pelvic exam and a pap test and all that stuff about six weeks ago when I saw my PCP.  The GYN did not want to repeat the pap test, which of course makes sense.  He did however want to do a pelvic because he said he needed to examine someone before he could perform surgery on them.  I suppose that makes sense.

However, isn't there supposed to be a nurse in the room when a doctor does a pelvic?  Especially if it's a male doctor?  He did it without a nurse in the room and I thought about saying something at the time but I didn't.  I'm not sure why.  The exam was quick and he did it without the stirrups, which I actually like (a midwife once told me that the stirrups are not necessary for a pelvic exam, they are just to make it more convenient for the doctor, which was a big revelation to me), and there was nothing at all that seemed inappropriate about it.  It was just the fact that he didn't have a nurse come it that seemed off to me.

At my gyno's office they always ask if I want a female in the room. I say no, but I think that at least you should have the choice! I have never had a pelvic exam without stirrups so I don't have any input on that......

If you request one they are required to provide one, most hospitals atleast offer one to cover their behinds.  They are not required to provide each time (although I know many do).  Personally, I've always lived by the theory the less eyes that are focused "down there" the better. 

I dont think there's a law about that but he should have offered to have a nurse in there or something rather than wait for you to ask. But I agree with another person who posted the less  eyes in the room the better. If it bothers you, you can call and talk to a supervisor in the clinic and say he didnt do anything appropriate to you but remind them that as a patient it is preferable that he offer to have a female staff member in attendance so there is no room for misinterpretation or accusations. From a legal standpoint it only makes sense. Nowadays I am surprised they don't have a written waiver form for this to be honest.

As a nurse, I've never seen a situation between a male doctor and female patient where a female attendant wasn't in the room. It didn't matter if it was a breast exam, rectal exam or any type of exam that required an exam under the patient gown. You could get in contact with JCAHO and ask them what their requirements are. I do not think a female exam by a male doctor is appropriate without someone else in the room.

 almost all my doctors throughout my history (pcp, gyn, etc) have been male and i've never had another person in the room.  I do not think it is necessary in my opinion.  if it makes someone feel more comfortable to have a second person in there, i dont' see a problem with it.  but i am not going to go into a situation assuming a professional cannot do his job appropriatley. 

My doctor always has a female assist him in the room.

Growing up in NY, we always had someone else in the room. Now in my new home state, they have a sign that says I can elect to have an escort if I ask them.  Whateva.

I've never had another person in the room.  Come to think of it though, there is a sign stating I can have someone else in there if I request it...

Audrey

I've had them both ways. Could it be the doctor was both moving swiftly through the appointment and also felt comfortable with you so just did the exam without calling for an attendant?