Would You Go to a Young, Good-Looking Gynecologist?

Dear Diary,

I thought cute doctors only existed on television. And they’re not even doctors; they’re actors. Personally, I was never examined by someone I would consider dating or someone who was born in the same decade as me. That’s not really by choice, just how things ended up when I received recommendations from family and friends or scheduled appointments through the phone book. Then, I was put in contact with Dr. Joshua Johannson to interview him for my blog. After a quick Google search to help generate topics, I noticed he was nice-looking and wondered how he became an OBGYN. I said to myself, no way would I ever be his patient! Would you go to a young, good-looking gynecologist? But after our conversation, I realized, you can’t judge a book, or a doctor, by its cover. I was actually very comfortable talking to him about the uncomfortable subject of going to the gynecologist. Perhaps more so than a previous female doctor I saw years ago. He has children, has experience, and has a good bedside manner–or in this case telephone manner. We talked about what he wished more patients would ask and what’s going through your gynie’s head when he’s examining you.

What questions do you wish more of your patients would ask?

Ones that are really important. A lot of patients have a fear or a strong concern that you can’t anticipate. Sometimes they don’t express it. It’s not something that everyone has. So, at appointments, general things get answered, but specific questions don’t. For instance, say your aunt or mother died in labor, and you’re terrified that you will die as well. When people are scared, they try to get lots information on their own, but may not ask their OBGYN questions. I would talk to my patient about what’s the realistic chance of her dying. How’s her situation different? Those are personal and specific questions.

Are women uncomfortable at first being that you are a fairly young, attractive, male doctor? Do they ask why you went into this field?

Sometimes my age, or what you perceive my age to be, makes people uncomfortable. People think I’m two years out of college, which isn’t the case. I think if you are uncomfortable with someone, you should visit someone else. Most importantly, you should visit someone who treats you with respect and listens to your concerns/questions. You want someone who takes good care of you, so that negates other stuff like age.

What do doctors think about when they are examining a patient?

Some women refuse to go to a male OBGYN, because they assume it will not be a professional experience. Why is this not true? You’re thinking about the woman’s complaint. It would be very uninteresting to be in my brain during an exam, because I think about very mundane stuff. It’s hard for people to believe, but when you think about it, 99 percent of the time the body is not used for sexual things. All doctors, whether you’re an OBGYN or not, have to deal with the body, and it is completely an unisexual experience. As far as gender goes, the underlining assumption is that all women are alike. That’s erroneous. Some female doctors have never had children, never had cramps or hemorrhage every month. So, you can’t assume a doctor has the same experience just because she is a woman. To assume they understand is a misnomer. As a male, I assume I don’t understand and try to listen to my patients’ experiences.

Why did you decide to become an OBGYN?

At first, I just wanted to be a doctor; then I became interested in becoming an OBGYN. I wanted to do something that had a long-term impact and service. As an OB specifically, I Impact two lives simultaneously. A mother and a child. Also, I like being able to Continuously seeing people. Most doctors only see their patients once or twice whereas I can get attached and say, oh great, so and so is here. I look forward to talking to them. Often, OBGYN waiting rooms are pretty packed, and doctors have a busy schedule and may not spend as much time with you as you would like.

What’s more important: experience or bedside manners? How can patients ensure they get all of their questions answered?

Even if it’s a crazy day, you shouldn’t bring it into the room. It’s the patient’s time, not borrowed time. The problem with having no bedside manner is that if you can’t communicate well, it makes the whole process suffer. So unless it’s a critical situation, you should find someone else with good manners. Experience matters too.

What should a new mom expect at her 6-week postpartum check up?

I want to go over the delivery and make sure there are no problems. If she had a C-section, I’ll look at the incision. If she had a vaginal birth, I’ll examine if she has lacerations. I talk to my patients about breastfeeding and whether or not they are experiencing any type of depression. I also want to know what kind of contraception they are using. People underestimate how easy it is to get pregnant. You can get pregnant again. Sometimes people don’t believe you. They say they’re going to be careful. I’m not sure what that means.

What options do new moms have for birth control? Are they more fertile immediately after giving birth?

It depends a lot on if and how they are breastfeeding. Moms who are exclusively breastfeeding, to the point where they have no menstrual period, they are usually protected. Some moms won’t have a period for a year, but that all depends on how often a child eats. Some patients get on a mini pill. Others opt to use an IUD postpartum. But there’s always a chance you can get pregnant. There’s a thing called 99 percent. I joke and tell patients that there’s only one thing that’s 100 percent safe, and their partners may not like that option.

How long should a women wait after giving birth to have sex? What happens if she doesn’t follow her doctor’s advice regarding this?

You should wait six weeks, because you can get postpartum infections. You’re cervix is wide open, and you have a lot of discharge. We tell people to wait six weeks–definitely wait at least four. Did they have a difficult delivery? They might not be ready at 6 weeks. I like to examine people before they move on to intercourse again. That way, any lacerations are healed.

What are some signs that a woman should find a new OBGYN?

You don’t want to go to someone who is disrespectful or condescending. When looking for an OBGYN, check with their medical peers. Get a recommendation from your physician. You want someone who is board certified.

What advice do you give breastfeeding moms? Should a woman contact her OBGYN or a lactation consultant for help/advice when nursing?

Some OBGYNS are hesitant about giving advice about breastfeeding, so you should ask how knowledgeable they are. I am an advocate, so can answer most questions, but I would say a Lactation consultant is a better person. She would be ideal. Often times, there is a person on hand at your doctor’s office, or they can put you in touch with someone. I will say that before you quit breastfeeding because you’re experiencing problems, you should talk to someone. It could be an obstacle that you can overcome.

Got questions for Dr. Josh? Leave him a note in the comment section. If it’s too personal, email Diary of a First Time Mom, and I’ll make sure he gets the message.  You can tweet Dr. Josh @DrJJohannson 

Dr. Josh currently practices medicine at the Jacksonville State University Student Health Center.