Female patients' sex preferences in selection of gynecologists and surgeons

Alex J. Childs, Wayne H. Friedman, Meyer P. Schwartz, Maribeth Johnson, Anthony B. Royek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, the authors investigated sex preferences for gynecologists and surgeons among female patients, and explored potential contributing factors. Methods: One hundred forty-six female patients were surveyed in a private practice office concerning their sex preferences and past obstetric/gynecologic care. For data comparisons, x2 or Fisher exact tests were used. Results: Gynecologist sex preferences were similar between male (30%), female (35%), and no sex preferences (35%). Patients who had a female obstetrician at their first delivery or began their gynecologic care with a female were more likely to prefer a female gynecologist. Multiparous patients were more likely to state no preference for a gynecologist. There were no statistical differences in sex preferences when patients were stratified by age, race, educational background, age of first gynecologist visit, or the age at their first delivery. About half of the patients (51%) stated that they preferred a male surgeon; only 3% preferred a female surgeon, and 46% stated they had no preference. Conclusions: Our investigation demonstrated that women's preferences for a gynecologist were divided equally between preferring a male, a female, and having no preference. Our study did find, however, that about half of the female patients preferred a male surgeon.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)405-408
Number of pages4
JournalSouthern medical journal
Volume98
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Gynecologists
  • Sex preference
  • Surgeons

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Female patients' sex preferences in selection of gynecologists and surgeons'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this