Top Reasons Why Some Women Prefer a Female Ob-Gyn

by Kevin Smith Author

Choosing an Ob Gyn is an important personal decision. Every woman has specific expectations for her doctor/patient relationship, and the choice should not be taken lightly. Consider scheduling a consultation before scheduling an exam.

Studies: Male Vs. Female Ob Gyns

According to earlier studies, such as one conducted in 2002, most women didn’t care whether their gynecologist was a man or a woman, but since then, times have changed. Today, about 50% of practicing Ob Gyns are female. Studies conducted in the last 5 years concluded that most women say they prefer a woman Ob Gyn over a man. There are a variety of reasons why some women seek out a female gynecologist in The Woodlands and across the U.S.

Communication Styles

Bedside manner and communication styles are an important factor for many women when choosing an Ob Gyn. Some women feel a female gynecologist can relate more to what they are going through than a male gynecologist can. Other women say they feel anxious about speaking with a man about their sexual, reproductive, and feminine health concerns.

Choices: Younger Vs. Older Women

Studies also showed that younger women preferred same sex physicians, especially when choosing some Ob Gyn. Older women preferred men, simply because they may be more accustomed to being treated by male physicians. But sometimes, the choice is a result of religious beliefs, homophobia, or a history of sexual assault.

Other Considerations

Some women reported that in certain situations, such as abortion, women physicians tended to be more supportive than men physicians. Additionally, male Ob Gyns were found to have prescribed more pharmaceuticals than women physicians, while women Ob Gyns made more referrals to specialists than their male peers.

The Future of Women’s Health

Projections indicate there will be a significant and growing demand for women’s health providers within the next few years, and some communities will experience a shortage of Ob Gyns, forcing women to seek care from a primary care physician for their Ob Gyn care.

Medical schools and hospitals around the country report that a significantly larger number of Ob Gyn residents are women. However, there is no evidence that women are better gynecologists than men. It’s merely a matter of personal choice. The most important factor is choosing a female gynecologist in The Woodlands that you feel comfortable with, and have confidence in as a physician.