Women & Doctors

Have things changed much since the 1990's (when this book was first published)? My recent experience would tell me no, unfortunately. Obviously not all male doctors are "bad" as the author himself is a male gynecologist. However, the same prejudices and lack of empathy that characterize many male gynecologists also are true of male doctors in general. That's why I feel more comfortable with female doctors and female nurses. Since the year 2000, I've had the following bad experiences with male doctors: Male dermatologist informs me that "women don't get athlete's foot. Only men do. In my 20 years as a dermatologist, I've only seen three women with athlete's foot." When I offered to take off my stocking so that he could see for himself, he waved me away. Amazed, I went back to my family doctor (a woman). She examined my feet and agreed with me that I did have athlete's foot, gave me some ointment, and felt taken aback that a fellow co-worker had treated me in that manner. Three male doctors inform me that the cysts in my breast were either tumors or mastitis (which is something pregnant women get. I've never been pregnant in my life.) They did not prescribe any treatment for me. The cysts grew larger. I was in such pain that I finally went to ER. Fortunately, a woman doctor was on staff. When she examined my breast, she hissed, "these are not tumors. They are cysts and they need to be lanced now!" So she lanced them for me and I felt relief. Eventually they drained properly and the cysts went away. A woman I know explained to her male doctor that she felt depressed. He told her she wasn't depressed but only had a little bit of the blues. It was clear to me that she actually was depressed and needed help. A young teenage girl I knew developed a huge tumor in her abdomen. The first three doctors who examined her told her parents that she was pregnant. She was actually a virgin at the time (one of Jehovah's Witnesses) and tearfully told her parents that she didn't have sex with anyone. It was difficult for her parents to believe her. Nevertheless, they did take her to a fourth doctor. He (I'm not sure of the doctor's gender) informed the parents that she had a large tumor and that an operation was necessary. She still has a scar on her stomach to this day. I'm sure you all have stories of a similar nature of things that happened to you or people you know. This book gives practical advice as to how you can find a competent doctor who will listen to you and give you the care you deserve. The author lists good questions that you can ask your prospective doctor as well as other kinds of advice. It was very easy to read. He explains medical terminology that the layperson is unfamiliar with.

This book was a real eye opener. It has very valuable information in it. You won't regret buying this book.

Women should read this book as if their life depended on it, because it COULD! I was not only astonished by what I read, but I was struck by the courage of Dr.John M. Smith for saying what women desperately need to hear first-hand! I bought copies for my daughters to read before they ever step foot into a doctor's office. I hope, not only for myself but for future generations of women, this book causes women to take not only their health more seriously, but their well-being. We should each demand the quality of care each of us rightfully deserve and men take for granted! Dr. Smith brings about the real question should men be allowed to be Ob/Gyn? Read this book BEFORE you answer this poignant question!!!

I considered this book my "Bible" getting through some very difficult health problems - ovarian remnant syndrome, allergy to metal clips and staples left during laproscopic procedurins with out my knowledge and requiring an extensive lapa- rotomy for their removal. The book gave my courage to endure some obscure health problems. While reading it, I felt someone had been in the examining room with me videotaping my appointments with doctors. It helped me deal with my doctors and the problems left behind. I would like to find lthe doctor's address and write him and thankhim for writing the book. It should be read by every female before they have any gyn procedure.