Tips For Urology Patients

Men and their wives should feel empowered to advocate for an all-male medical team when the patient prefers male healthcare providers for intimate examinations, procedures, or surgery. If you have concerns about modesty and privacy, communicate your preferences clearly to your urologist and the medical facility in advance.

Requesting a Male Provider for Intimate Examinations

If you prefer a male healthcare provider for intimate examinations, such as a digital rectal examination or a prostate biopsy performed in the office, discuss your preference with your urologist before your appointment.

You can also request that only your male urologist be present during the examination, without nurses or assistants in the room, if their presence is not medically necessary. Ask the office whether this arrangement can be accommodated.

To help protect your privacy, you may request that the examination-room door remain closed and that a sign reading "Please Do Not Disturb" be placed on the door when appropriate. This can help reduce unnecessary interruptions while an intimate examination or procedure is taking place.

Requesting an All-Male Medical Team for Surgery

If you need surgery, such as a vasectomy, prostatectomy, or hernia repair, and prefer an all-male medical team, discuss your wishes with your surgeon and the hospital well in advance.

Depending on the procedure, the surgical team may include the surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurses, and surgical technologists. Explain that you would prefer all members of the team to be male and ask whether the hospital can accommodate your request.

If the facility cannot guarantee an all-male team, you should contact other qualified urologists or hospitals to explore whether they can better accommodate your preferences.

Protecting Your Modesty During a Prostate Biopsy

Prostate biopsies can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. If you are scheduled for a biopsy, discuss your concerns about modesty and privacy with your urologist beforehand.

Consider making the following requests:

• Covering and privacy: Ask for a gown, sheet, or blanket to cover your body as much as possible during preparation and recovery.
  
• Supplies for cleanup: Ask the medical team to have tissues or other appropriate cleaning supplies available after the procedure.
  
• Time to clean up privately: Request time and assistance as needed to clean yourself up in private after the biopsy.
  
• Clear instructions for recovery: Ask your urologist what bleeding or other symptoms to expect and when you should seek medical attention.

Your healthcare team should explain the procedure, answer your questions, and make reasonable efforts to respect your privacy and dignity throughout your care.

Stand Up for Your Modesty and Dignity

If you prefer male healthcare providers for intimate medical care, communicate your wishes clearly and make arrangements in advance. Ask questions about who will be present during examinations and procedures, and find out which accommodations the medical facility can provide.

Stand up for your preferences, protect your privacy, and advocate for the modesty and dignity you want in your medical care.

Check out Tips for Modest Male Patients!