Gynecologists May Now Treat Men

Gynecologists may now treat men according to the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Well, technically speaking, they’ve been allowed to treat men when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). What has changed is that the board now allows gynecologists to screen men for anal cancer which is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Anal cancer remains relatively rare, but the number of cases is growing.

Apparently, the longstanding tradition of gynecologists to treat STDs in both men and women came at odds with a seemingly conflicting decision to prohibit them from screening men for anal cancer. The board admitted that their September decision to prevent men from receiving anal cancer screenings from gynecologists was done in order to preserve the profession as a female-only specialty.

However, pressure from gynecologists fearing the decision would force them to lose existing male patients made them reconsider. Also, the board acknowledged that there is an ongoing study on anal cancer by paid for by the federal government which would be impacted by the study. Under the restrictions announced in September, gynecologists found giving men anal screenings risked losing their medical license. Boston Medical Center’s Dr. Elizabeth Stier was pleased with the new ruling and intends to reach out to her male patients she previously had to cancel and request their return.

“Having canceled all the men out of my clinic, I now have to un-cancel them,” Dr. Stier said. “They’ll be very happy.”

On The Web:
Gynecologists May Treat Men, Board Says in Switch
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/health/gynecologists-may-treat-men-board-says-in-switch.html?_r=0