Here’s What Happened When A Male Gynecologist Asked Women How To Design His New Office

Featured Image Source 

If you’ve ever been to the gynecologist and thought, “There is no way a woman designed this exam room,” have we got a story for you. 

A physician went viral on twitter by asking women, trans and non-binary people who seek OB/GYN care how they would design their doctor’s office if given the chance. 

 Urogynecologist Dr. Ryan Stewart is starting his own practice, Midwest Pelvis, in Indianapolis in 2022.

His tweet says “I have the opportunity to design my office from scratch. 

“I’m asking women. How would you design/optimize a visit to the gynecologist’s office? 

✅problems

✅frustrations

✅solutions

No detail is too small. 

If I’ve ever had a tweet worthy of virality, it’s this one. 🙏🏼 RT.”

The responses were spot on. 

The Answers Are On Point

One Twitter user said “Do not put a scale in a public/visible place. Also…weights should be subject to consent and only done when relevant like any other procedure.”

Thank you! If we have to be weighed, why are we subjected to a scale in the middle of the hallway? 

I’ve had nurses roll their eyes when I take off my shoes before stepping on the public hallway scale. To be honest, they’re lucky it’s not in a private room because I’d strip buck naked before being weighed. 

Another user suggests allowing patients to stand on the scale in a way so they don’t have to see their weight if they don’t want to. 

And several others say patients should be able to opt-out of being weighed all together.

There Should Be Diverse Images 

If you don’t see any images reflecting yourself, you can feel uncomfortable, maybe even unwelcome, as one Twitter user points out. 

 “Please have images of Black women in the office. I haven’t visited a gynecologist office yet with this type of representation. Also, privacy is key. I shouldn’t fear that the door will swing open exposing me in the middle of my examination.”

Privacy Issues

A lot of Twitter users complained about the lack of privacy and gave suggestions for improval. 

One tweeted that there should be a signal in the exam room that lets the staff know you’re finished changing. 

“I once went to an OB/GYN office that had a light switch (reachable from exam table) that lit up outside the door to let provider know I was changed. Significantly decreased wait time sitting in gown since no one was guessing if I was ready.”

 Many users said a private area to change in the exam room would be a welcome addition. 

As the Twitter user behind the idea put it, “That little pile of clothing with undies that you have to place on a chair is demoralizing.”

You have to fold them nicely for some odd reason because god forbid you look like a slob while you’re spread eagle on an exam table!

We’re Freezing!

While my gynecologist recently made the change from paper (PAPER!!) gowns with a plastic belt that snaps when you attempt to tie it to cotton gowns, it seems many OB/GYNS are behind on the times. 

The responses about room temperatures and cold stirrups were many. I have no complaints in this area because my gynecologist has faux fur stirrup coverings — and they make a difference. 

 “My OBGYN has hilarious warmers over the stirrups, which always make me laugh. There’s another room that says “I Hate” & “This Part”. They also make me feel like the office understands how awkward and uncomfortable these appointments can be, despite their best efforts,” she tweeted. 

How about we get to control the thermostats in our rooms? If we have to be barely clothed and at our most vulnerable, it only seems right that we can bump up the temp to our liking. 

Different Waiting Rooms

For patients dealing with infertility, waiting for long periods next to new babies and expecting moms can be “excruciating,” one person wrote. 

Another user suggested waiting rooms for patients with children and in their second or third trimester, and another for first trimester, infertility, or non-OB needs.

Angle Of Exam Beds

I’ve never even thought about this one, but several responders wanted docs to pay attention to the angle of examination beds. Which makes sense!

 It’s horrifying to think of being in that position for the world to see if a door opens. 

Thank you to Dr. Ryan Stewart for asking this important question — hopefully, other gynecologists will put these suggestions to use!  

Do you agree with women’s suggestions to Dr. Ryan Stewart? Let us know below!

For More Spotlight On Social Issues, Check Out These Articles: