why are women expected to frequently get OB/GYN checkups but male reproductive specialists are rare?
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Male plumbing is an outhouse, where as female plumbing is a fully featured truck stop bathroom with showering facilities. Both are pretty disgusting when you get right down to it, but the lady parts are more difficult to service and require more maintenance.
[The male version of an OB GYN is called a urologist.](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-urologist#urology) Many doctors will specialize more in reproduction than in bladder/urination health, and vice versa. A urogynecologist is a doctor who specializes in urinary tract issues for people with uterii. Urologists have similar specializations.
That said, no matter what parts you have it’s complicated down there. My assumption is that OB GYN are more well-known because of their role caring for pregnant women and delivering babies. Urologists in pop culture are mostly “turn your head and cough” jokes, while OB GYNs are involved in all sorts of media because their job involves birthing new people, although that’s not all they do.
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Gynecological exams are not always about reproductive functions. Cervical cancer is a major component that can only be screened via an invasive swab. Birth control is one of the most common reasons women consult gynecologists, which is essentially anti-reproductive care. Gynecologists are also period specialists, so if a woman experiences abnormalities with their cycle, that’s who they see. And UTIs and other infections and body chemistry issues.
There’s a lot going on down there for women.
Compare to testicular and prostate cancer which can be screened manually by a general practitioner during a physical for men.
Not a medical specialist and male, so definitely take this with a grain of salt, but my thoughts are that since most of the male reproductive system is on the outside of the body it is easier for a male to self check and be able to tell if something is wrong on their own where a females reproductive system is mostly internal and needs to be checked by a medical professional.
It could also be that vaginas are tricky and just need more maintenance in general, or a combination of both.
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