Breast and pelvic examinations: easing women's discomfort

To determine whether women prefer male or female physicians for gynecologic examinations, whether they want a third person present during examinations, and what behaviour physicians and third persons should exhibit. We also sought to determine whether women had experienced any unprofessional behaviour from doctors.

Cross-sectional, 17-item questionnaire.

Two Saskatchewan family practices: one rural (Melfort), one urban (Saskatoon).

All women 18 years old and older who visited their family physicians' offices between February and April 1993.

Patient preferences regarding physician behaviour and any perceived unprofessional behaviour.

Of 350 questionnaires, 336 were completed correctly. Responses indicated that 51% did not mind whether the physician was male or female, but 43% preferred female doctors. When being examined by a male physician, 62% wanted a third person present; only 30% wanted that if the physician was female. Of all women, 42% wanted the opportunity to choose whether a third person was present every time and another 19% only for the first examination by a new doctor. Supportive behaviours were indicated. "Unprofessional" conduct had been experienced by 8% of respondents.

Many women do not mind whether they are examined by male or female doctors. Many prefer having a third person present when the examining physician is a man. Some want the opportunity to choose whether a chaperone is present.