background image
65
physician, which can lead to misunderstandings. A few
physicians find a nude patient to be beyond their own
personal limits, and should have these limits respected.
Once, when examining a new female patient, I
noticed a large fleshy mole on her breast, right where it
could be irritated by her bra. I innocently asked, pointing
to the mole, "Does this bother you?" She replied, "No, I'm
quite comfortable being examined by male physicians." I
was, of course, able to explain the intent of my question,
but the exchange did remind me that anything a doctor
says or does can be misunderstood.
Some people choose a physician because they have
sexual issues with the examination. I have lesbian patients
who choose me because an exam by another woman
would feel too sexual to them. Others feel comfortable
with me for all exams except pelvics. Do what feels
comfortable to you ­ your health care should make you
feel better, not worse. Of course, there are times when
your discomfort is less important than your continuing
good health: sometimes a pelvic exam, rectal exam or
other procedure is necessary to deal with an urgent
problem. However, in the absence of a very good reason
why, nobody should make you feel uncomfortable ­ even
if your discomfort isn't related to any purposeful action
by your practitioner.
By the way, back in Chapter One I talked about
the schizophrenic quality of my medical school training
regarding pelvic exams ­ which, of course, brings up
the question of how a physician can do a pelvic exam in
an appropriately professional and non-sexual manner.
Herewith, then, the Dr. Moser Pelvic Exam Protocol: