Choosing a GP

[Drew GB]

Due to a recent debacle with health insurance (no big surprise these days) I am having to change my GP. Calling for a doctor I was given a choice between two, one female and one male. Without knowing anything else I decided to go with the female doctor. I do plan to be open and upfront about my CD’ing as I do see the importance of my doctor knowing. I am curious if anyone’s else has an opinion on weather to go with a male or female GP as a CD’r?

[Micki_Finn]

I don’t know if it has anything to do directly with my CDing or if it’s more a wider symptom of Gender Dysphoria, but I’ve always been more comfortable interacting with women in all situations, but especially with something as personal or intimate as a doctor. So yeah I probably would have done the same and just automatically picked the female doctor.

[Robertacd]

I am not sure why my doctor would ever need to know about my crossdressing, unless I was planning to transition.

Crossdressing does not have any inherent health risks (beyond stabbing your self in the eye with a sharp eyeliner pencil or twisting your ankle walking in heals) nor is it a "risky behavior" that a GP needs to know about.

[Drew GB]

I view it as I am now using more products on myself (eg: makeup, lotions, and quite frankly tight panties and pantyhose) that are not typical to a male lifestyle. I am also now starting a major diet and weight loss regime because to look more feminine is a wonderful reason for me to finally get myself in shape. But generally you are correct a GP may not need to know but since you have that whole doctor patient confidentiality it also presents the unique opertunity to let someone else know who I really am!

[Stephanie47]

I don't know about the cd-ing angle in selecting a family physician. I would opt for the female physician based on my medical experiences. I find female doctors are more apt to listen to your medical complaints more than their male counterparts. I too really do not know the necessity for a cross dresser to let a physician know about wearing women's clothing if there is no medical necessity. But, that's your choice. I definitely would advice to let your physician know of your desire to lose weight. A major diet and weight loss program does need some guidance and monitoring.

[Beverley Sims]

I think it comes down to how comfortable you feel with the doctor you choose.

Some female doctors are not sympathetic to dressing at all.

Some male doctors do understand our situation.

[Rayleen]

I would be more incline to discuss private matter with my male doc, female doc ask of many why questions.

[Tracii G]

I plan on getting a new GP as soon as mine retires and I never gave much thought to what gender the Dr should be.
I choose by reputation and I am open about being gay and a tranny so for me I like to lay the cards on the table so there are no surprises.
Its a personal thing so do what you want.

[Asew]

My wife wanted boys with the male doctor and girls with the female doctor so me and our three sons have the same male doctor. But of all my doctors the best one I had was a female, she was easy going and I felt more comfortable talking to her about things.

[Sami Brown]

I have always preferred female doctors, even before I started crossdressing. I felt I could relate to them better.

Sami

[Ineke Vashon]

For those of age requiring regular prostate exams, remember that on average, female doctor = slimmer fingers :D

Female doctors sometimes have bright red one inch long femme nails. Ouch!

I've had a female dentist for some time. Gentler than the average male doctor, she listens better, smells better, and sometimes a soft breast brushing against my shoulder eliminates the need for novocaine.:D

Ineke

[alwayshave]

For those of age requiring regular prostate exams, remember that on average, female doctor = slimmer fingers :D
For a while I had a female GP for just that reason, I still have a female GP but the PSA blood test has elevated the need for thin fingers.

[Sarasometimes]

I have all female healthcare providers because I find it easier for me to talk about intimate and personal medical issues and i have found them to be more patient, better listeners, and I like all their questions too. As for the DRE and slim fingiers, my doctor stopped doing it because recent research indicates it is highly unreliable and niether the patient nor the doctor are big fans of performing it. Only if the PSA indicates a possible problem will she do it.
I don't see the need to discuss crossdressing unless you want help with dealing with it and need a referal to a therapist.
Since I only wear panties, i wear them to my physicals too and never a comment.

[Diane Smith]

Just my one data point for what it's worth.

I've had three PCPs over the past twenty years or so, two male, one female. The woman was much more empathetic and easier to talk to than either of the men, and she took my quirks (crossdressing, polished nails, panties, tattoos and piercings) in stride and even spoke positively about them from time to time. Unfortunately, she left for another position about a year and a half ago, and my new, younger, male doctor is competent and all business but not nearly as personable. (I did have a choice between him and another woman doctor, but she was the parent of a kid I teach in my job at school, which I thought might be awkward.)

I have seen a couple of male specialists in the past to whom I also related well, but none of them were available to do primary care.

- Diane

[lingerieLiz]

I have male and female docs. Had a chiropractor who she and her staff knew I wore panties. No big deal. I have both male and female doctors and pick the ones that are the best.

[Kiwi Primrose]

Female every time - doctor, dentist, hairdresser. At one time or another they have all had a question about my nail polish or earrings and we discussed my "hobby", I am comfortable with women, not with men.

[Drew GB]

I think that is what it comes down to for me. I feel more comfortable with women as they are more empathetic and quite frankly I am more apt to listen to them and their advice. I may get flack for this but I also think female doctors are better in general because they have had to work harder and do better than their male counterparts.

[Nicolelicd]

I too have always felt more comfortable with female doctors. I also like admiring their fashion, makeup or hair. However I did have a male doctor whol told me i had nice panties.

[Krisi]

For those of age requiring regular prostate exams, remember that on average, female doctor = slimmer fingers :D

I used to consider that and a female doctor gave me an exam right in front of my wife, but our current doctor does this through blood tests so his finger size is not a concern.

As for crossdressing, I figure it's best not to tell anyone who doesn't need to know and as long as you can refrain from wearing a bra and panties to your doctor's appointment, he/she doesn't need to know.

[SherriePall]

Interesting question. I've only had male doctors over the years. That is, when I go. Does informing your physician of your CDing matter? Don't really know, but several years ago had a UTI (the blood in my urine scared me) and the doctor treated me with antibiotics. Said that some men do get it. Since then I have often wondered if extreme tucking may have been a cause in which case maybe the doctor's knowledge of my CDing may have helped.
Just thinking out loud, girls.

[ChubbyLeahCD]

Interesting question. I too look for female doctors.
My GP is female, my dermatologist is female, my endocrinologist (not related to transitioning because I’m not) is female.

I just feel comfortable with a woman. I do have sexual trauma but I feel comfortable with them.

No one knows about me CDing but I did call pretending to be a new patient and know they are LGBT friendly.

My GP knows I’m bi, she also sees my wife and I asked her to keep it quiet and she said she would and that if I ever become active with men, she will test me and such.

[Robertacd]

I used to consider that and a female doctor gave me an exam right in front of my wife,

My doctor did that once and he said "Are you sure you want me to do this with her in the room?", before I could even say anything my wife blurted out "I've seen worse", my doctor looked kinda surprised then I said "she's done worse".

[Jaylyn]

My theory on Doctors is go to my local Vet they know more about medicines n a body than the normal Doctor does anyway.... But my doctor is a female and a good looking one. I enjoy going to her but in a small town like the one we live close to I wouldn't tell any of them about my secret of CDng. Also I don't see anything happening that I'd need a doc from this activity. I'm taking a chance though as I wear panties almost 100% of the time now. I'm just thinking if I have to call an ambulance I can get them off before they arrive. After I'm dead I won't give a darn. That'll be their new gossip in town when I'm dead and gone.... Lol

[ChubbyLeahCD]

My doctor did that once and he said "Are you sure you want me to do this with her in the room?", before I could even say anything my wife blurted out "I've seen worse", my doctor looked kinda surprised then I said "she's done worse".

LOL I never go to the doctor with my wife and only went with her when she was pregnant. It would be awkward to have an exam with my wife there lol

[CONSUELO]

My first criterion would be competence. I don't need to see a doctor very often and the only time I see my current doctor is to have an annual check up. I don' t have to take routinely any medications so I suppose I am lucky.
My current doc is a male and is competent. I went to him after a few years with two less than competent doctors; one male the other female.

The incompetent female doctor prescribed a drug for me called Finasteride that I did not need. It is a drug to suppress the male hormones and supposedly shrinks the prostate gland. All I got was interference with my sexual drive and breasts. I suppose the latter were a pleasant and unexpected outcome though.

My favorite was a female doctor who was also gay. What I really liked about her was that when I went to see her she would sit and look directly at me and ask questions and listen to my answers.
While my current doctor is good, he does spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen with all of my "numbers" on it. But he is competent and that is important.
I see no need in telling my doctor that I am a transvestite. It is not relevant to the few and trivial health issues I have.

[Pat]

I think if it was up to my emotional side, I'd pick female doctors. But honestly, I just want someone I have confidence in and that overrules any other consideration.

I did come out to my primary care doctor (male) about a year before I started getting medical involvement in my transition. I had lost a lot of weight and he asked why, so I told him. ;) From that day on, at each visit he would ask after my "motivating factor" -- a term I think he was using so he wouldn't out me to his nurse. A year later I started moving on transition and since he was coordinating my care, he saw and could understand all the details. He also wrote my letters for changing my documents when that time came along. I guess to me I would wonder why you would NOT come out to your doctor, but people have their reasons.

[Elizabeth G]

I chose my PCP many years ago partly based on my being more comfortable in this area with a woman. She is very competent and over the years we have built up a good rapport. More recently for some reason I have been seeing her PA who is also female and also very good. I'm more comfortable with women in this role so I see no reason to change. I'm planning to open up about my dressing at my next appointment as I would like to have my hormone levels checked and I'm tired of hiding this party of myself away all the time.

[Sarah V]

I actually have 2 GP's / Primary Care Provider's due to fact that I am double covered for my healthcare under 2 different health insurance programs.

One of my GP's is male and he is my primary GP. My other GP is female, and I only see her once a year just keep my name on the books. Both do not know about Sarah at all , nor have I ever felt that I needed to tell them anything about her. But if I HAD TO, I would do that with my female GPM. Like one of the poster's said above, I too would feel much more comfortable in talking to / and relating to, my female GP than I ever would with my my male GP who has become a good acquaintance of mine also over these many years. So, if Sarah ever needs any medical attention it will be with my female GP.

If I ever do start HRT (something I am pondering) I will certainly try to do it with my female GP or a female Endo.

[Teresa]

Andy,
I found a GPs gender unimportant , they are either on board or not , my male doctor was great and referred me to counsellors without a problem . When he retired I joked with him about not taking up silly hobbies like CDing !! My new GP is female and when I asked about treating the arthritis in my toe joints she said it shouldn't be too much of a problem providing I wear sensible shoes so I replied nothing over 4" heels, she smiled and said I thought you might say something like that !

[donnalee]

I'd settle for a doctor of either sex. Right now I've got a nurse practitioner and while she is quite nice, I've never felt that the level of competence was equivalent, particularly as i have a number of serious medical issues and lately more have loomed their ugly heads.I'm being charged doctors fees and believe I need to get that level of service.

[Sissy_in_pink]

I've always had a male doctor, only one at the medical centre I go to seemed to be any good, then I had a bad sinus infection and went to see my doctor of choice but he was on leave so I saw another male doctor, he gave me antibiotics for the infection, but after I finished taking them I still had the infection, so I went back to the medical centre, but the only doctor on was a female, I reluctantly saw her and to my surprise she was more helpful than all the other male doctors put together, she brought up images of the sinus area and explained how it worked and explained to my what was going wrong and said that the antibiotics the other doc gave me were useless for this kind of infection and gave me a script for stronger ones, a week later it cleared up.
Months later I bought a pair of long female boots, but after only 20 minutes in them my right foot was killing me, so I went and saw my new female doctor and asked to have my foot x-rayed as I could not wear high healed boots, she looked surprised and asked if I am a crossdresser so I said yes, her reaction was incredible, she broke out into a big smile and said that it was wonderful and has supported me ever since.

[carrie2014]

my pcp is female and I never said anything to her until she said how she liked the color of my sneakers. I then told her my pants and shirt and sneakers were female, at this point she said she was very happy that I had the confidence tell her. I told her my wife and her were the only people that I ever told. The next time I went to see her she asked me what kind of panties liked most. She then told me that she had tried panties with a wide waste band and she hated them. I told her that I was wearing some real lite weight jockey panties I showed her and she wanted to know where she could get some. I said at the jockey store at the outlet or on line. The next time in to see her she said she had gotten some and loved them. Did not show me

[Glenda58]

Had a female doctor for years till she moved back east. The office has many doctors and they assigned me a male doctor. But I don't always see him. Both he and the last doctor knew about me as a CDer. Last year a fill out a from that asked male , female transgender I marked transgender. Now it's on all my medical records for all to see.