"Is the gynecologist good?" For some, the choice of a women's health specialist comes down to that single, simple question. But other women subscribe to the cynical saying: "A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who's never owned a car."

There's no such saying for pediatricians without children of their own, or cardiologists who have never had a pacemaker. But going to a gynecologist is a uniquely personal, and potentially humiliating, doctor's visit — one involving stirrups, a speculum, and personal revelations about sex lives and periods, pregnancy and infertility.

So some women find themselves asking, "Can a man truly understand?" and "Can a woman feel as comfortable opening up to an opposite-sex specialist?"

Who Cares About the Gynecologist's Gender?
Margaret A. favors a female gynecologist — so much so that she'll pass on a doctor's visit if her HMO provides a man's name. Says the 32-year-old art teacher: "Women have a point of reference to understand what you go through every month, and when something doesn't feel right."

Margaret feels more comfortable speaking with a woman about birth control and other personal choices, and she's less embarrassed with a woman, too, for the physical exam. "You feel very exposed physically," she says, "with what seems like a piece of paper towel wrapped around you."

Fully 47 percent of women prefer a female Ob/Gyn like Margaret does, according to a 2001 survey by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The survey found that 15 percent of women would choose a male, while 37 percent have no preference.

Those who prefer female gynecologists can look forward to an ever-increasing selection: While women make up about one-third of ACOG's current membership, more than two-thirds of Ob/Gyn residents were female in a recent year.

Carrie A. puts herself in the no-preference category and for 10 years had gone to the same friend-recommended male gynecologist. The "grandfatherly" doctor "takes my female problems seriously and doesn't brush anything off," says the 35-year-old public affairs expert, adding, "I respect his skills and knowledge even more because he's not a woman and yet can sympathize."

It's Not a "Man-Woman Thing"
Patients have said to Ob/Gyn Rose Eskin, M.D., "I don't know why I ever went to a male gynecologist," and Eskin understands their perspective. "You don't really know about things like breast-feeding until you've lived them. And when it comes to talking about things like sexual dysfunction, at least we have the same body parts."

That said, Eskin doesn't think a female gynecologist is necessarily the choice for everyone. "It's not a man-woman thing, but who you're more comfortable with," she says, pointing out that the male partners in her practice are "technically and surgically at least as competent" as the women.

Eskin's practice partner Robert delRosario, M.D., agrees there's no difference in quality of care provided by men versus women. He adds that men might have a heightened sensitivity about the distress a gynecological exam can cause. "Something as routine as a Pap smear must be a really tumultuous event for some women, and we men might go even more out of our way to be gentle and explain what we're doing than female gynecologists, who could think, 'Oh, I've been through this.'"

Women needn't be embarrassed with a male gynecologist — there's never a sexual component when he provides medical care, says 39-year-old delRosario. Patients have apologized to him for not shaving their legs or not getting their nails done, but "medicine is problem-oriented," says the doctor. "Those factors are not things we notice because they don't come into play in improving your health."

Choosing a Gynecologist
Gender issue aside, there are some other things worth considering when choosing your gynecologist. Eskin sums them up: "Are they good? Sympathetic? Do they fit your needs?"

Experts suggest getting recommendations from friends, family and other doctors, and making sure the gynecologist you're considering is board-certified in the specialty. Also, make sure he or she is available for appointments and to answer your questions; is associated with a nearby hospital; participates in your insurance plan; and practices obstetrics (some don't), if you're pregnant or might be soon.

Bonding over body parts doesn't by itself define a great gynecologist. Find someone you're completely comfortable with, remembering that your choice of doctor is far more personal than your pick to fix your car's carburetor.