Clinical Report: Male Physicians May Perform Fewer Pelvic Exams

Overview

A study indicates that male physicians are significantly less likely to perform pelvic examinations in female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms compared to their female counterparts. This discrepancy highlights potential barriers and attitudes affecting clinical practice.

Background

Pelvic examinations are a critical component in the evaluation of women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), as they can reveal findings not apparent from medical history alone. Despite guidelines recommending these examinations, male physicians reportedly perform them less frequently than female physicians, raising concerns about the quality of care for female patients. Understanding the factors influencing this practice gap is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Only 8.7% of male physicians routinely perform pelvic examinations in female patients with LUTS.
• In contrast, 85.7% of female physicians report performing pelvic examinations routinely.
• Barriers to performing pelvic exams include limited access to chaperones, time constraints, and concerns about patient discomfort.
• Male physicians are more likely to use chaperones during pelvic examinations, which they view as a logistical barrier.
• Fear of medicolegal risks and lack of training contribute to the reluctance of male physicians to perform these examinations.

Clinical Implications

Addressing the barriers identified in this study is crucial for ensuring that female patients receive appropriate evaluations for LUTS. Training programs that emphasize the importance of pelvic examinations and provide strategies for overcoming logistical challenges may enhance clinical practice.

Conclusion

The findings underscore a significant practice gap in pelvic examinations between male and female physicians, necessitating targeted interventions to improve care for female patients with LUTS.

Related Resources & Content

1. McLeod K., JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Pelvic and Digital Rectal Examinations to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
2. EAU Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Female LUTS - DIAGNOSIS, 2025 -- European Association of Urology
3. The New Gastroenterologist, 2025 -- Physician Earnings: Modest Increases Amid Significant Disparities
4. The New Gastroenterologist, 2025 -- A simplified approach to pelvic floor dysfunction
5. Three-Dimensional Pelvimetry and Biometric Assessments, 2020 -- Insights from a Surgical Approach to Colorectal Resection
6. Female Patients' Attitudes Toward Chaperone Presence During Proctological Assessments by Male Doctors: A Randomized Clinical Study
7. EAU Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Female LUTS - DIAGNOSIS
8. Pelvic and Digital Rectal Examinations to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms | Urology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
9. Improving Diagnostic Accuracy for Surgical Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Sequential Protocol Combining POP-Q Examination and Transperineal Ultrasound | MDPI