What Do You Think?

May 18, 2022

I had an experience last week and I’m curious how all of you would feel if it happened to you.

I had to have an ultrasound of my kidneys (everything is fine, thank you) and when I was called out of the waiting room, it was by a tech named … Mike. (Name changed to protect the embarrassed.)

I’ve been going to this facility for a good twenty-five years and had never seen a single male person behind the scenes except for a radiologist.

I was so surprised that I was speechless and although very uncomfortable, I decided I could deal with it. I did, but I wasn’t happy.

I distracted myself during the procedure by imagining what I would have done had I been there for a mammogram. What would have happened if I had refused?

The best case would be the facility telling me that he was a trained professional and if I weren’t happy, I could leave.

No, that’s not the best case. The best case would be their saying, “No, problem. We’ll get a female tech for you.”

Because my imagination can get out of control in minutes, my mind leapt to a scenario where the male tech, or the facility, decided to make a test case out of the situation and sue me. Yes, it seems like an exaggeration, but even though I avoid much of the news these days, I know it’s certainly possible.

Personally, my own objection is that the procedure requires so much touching and arranging (I’m working sooo hard not to use the word manhandling here).

But I know, personally and anecdotally, so many women who have been spoken to rudely, touched and/or assaulted by a man. While I hope they are able to not see all men as possible predators, I can’t help but imagine their level of discomfort in this situation.

I really would like to know your thoughts on this matter.

rsepielli says:

2022-05-19, 15:13:53

I think you have the right to ask for a female tech! They probably get that request all the time and will accommodate you if they can. I don’t know the legality of this situation specifically, but it reminds me of a sort-of-similar �loophole:� if you’re a landlord renting out a house or apartment, you can’t discriminate based on the gender of a potential tenant. But, if you’re renting out a room in the home you also live in, it’s OK to decide you’re only comfortable living with a same-gender boarder due to the potential for close contact.

Ruth Henderson says:

2022-05-18, 19:48:44

I think you should get the email address of the manager for the facility and let them know how you felt. Copying and pasting most of this blog would be my suggestion, particularly with your fine sense of humor. I think you have a valid, and well said point about the situation. Most importantly, consider you saying it so well could be helpful to someone else who feels the same way, maybe even worse, but doesn't have the ability to express herself like you can.