Life
Visiting the OB-GYN is something most cis-women start doing during their teen years. In my experience, that meant by the time I reached adulthood, I felt like I could ask my OB-GYN pretty much anything. It never really occurred to me that men wouldn't feel equally open and forthcoming with their partner's doctor about the mysteries of obstetrics and gynecology. Then, I asked my husband, and it turned out, he had questions, but didn't feel right asking, considering I was their patient. When I asked other men, I found out that they, too, had questions they want to ask OB-GYNs, which I have to admit was kind of surprising, considering most men I know are loathe to admit they don't know everything.
It turns out that if given the opportunity, many guys would ask OB-GYNs questions about sex. Others also want to know about their partners' (and daughters') health — like what exactly goes on during an annual visit to the gynecologist, and how periods work — and also things like what inspired OB-GYNs to pursue a career in reproductive medicine, and what it's like to catch babies for a living. Some sweetly wondered how they could best support their partners through the ups and downs of their monthly cycle and the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Others, well, they had no questions — at least none they would admit to in public.
To hear some of the burning questions men have for OB-GYNs, ranging from "found on Google" to really freaking good questions, and some that might make you shake your head, read on:
C.S., 34
"What's the most rewarding part of your job? It must be amazing to see kids you've delivered grow up. Do you ever get surprised at how they turned out?"
Jay, 37
"Do you ever get embarrassed or self-conscious during your day-to-day?"
Donald, 39
"Would you say that women are well-informed about their health issues or is there a lot of misinformation out there?"
Dan
"My question is about a hysterectomy. With the uterus and cervix removed, is there just a big cavernous open space at the end of the vagina?"
Anonymous
"Are women fairly honest during their appointments or do you have to read between the lines?"
Joe, 32
"What's the deal with breastfeeding versus formula feeding? What do I need to know, as a dad?"
Guy, 29
"Does the PAP test screen for all STDs or just some of them?"
David, 34
"If we are trying to get pregnant, is it true that her standing on her head after sex will help?"
Jake, 41
"When should my wife to start going in for mammograms?"
Steve, 40
"Is the HPV vaccine generally safe?"
Jon
Are mastectomies hard to recover from? How can I support someone in my life going through one?
Alex, 42
"What age should my daughter start seeing a gynecologist? Can she go by herself, or does one of us need to take her"
Rich, 38
"Are there any special considerations for providing medical care to transgender women and men?"
Toby, 39
How long does postpartum depression last? How can I tell my wife I'm worried about her?
Brian
"Why did you choose your profession?"
Anonymous
"Do male OB-GYNs ever get turned on by giving exams?"
Anonymous
"If my partner shaves her public hair, is she more or less likely to get a yeast infection?"
Dave, 42
"Is there a gland (is that in the clit?) that makes the vagina 'wet' or is it more like pores, like the Vahjayjay sweating?"
This first-time mom wants to have a home birth, but is she ready? Watch how a doula supports a military mom who's determined to have a home birth in Episode One of Romper's Doula Diaries, Season Two, below. Visit Bustle Digital Group's YouTube page for the next three episodes, launching every Monday starting November 26.
