Halachot and Customs
Is It Permitted for a Woman to Go to a Doctor?
Question
Hello, with respect to the rabbi.
I am a little sorry for my openness, but I have two questions.
A) I am in a health fund where there is only a family doctor and only a gynecologist (I know that a gynecologist is not supposed to concern me at my age, but it is important), and the problem is that it is a male doctor and I am a woman. Sometimes, thank Hashem, I get sick and I need to go to a doctor to examine me, but the moment I enter the room I am transgressing: seclusion, lack of observance of physical contact restrictions, modesty, and more... What am I supposed to do when there are no female doctors at my clinic at all? It is just a nightmare, because for every little thing I have to cancel or bother my mother that I do not want to go because he is a man and I observe physical contact restrictions! Then she gets angry and starts reminding me that when I am older I will need to go to a gynecologist and there are more intimate examinations, and I tell her that I will not go, and she says there is no such thing as not going! Rabbi, what should I do? By the way, she said that female doctors are not gentle at all!
B) My second question: can I tan on our balcony in short pants and a tank top, or even in a swimsuit (sorry for the details...), or would that not be modest, even though no one will be there, although Hashem will be there, yes? :) I do not want to feel guilty about it because I dress modestly. Sorry for the lack of modesty!!
Thank you, and thank Hashem, that I have someone to ask! You are praiseworthy for your sacred work :) Chen.
Answer
Shalom and blessings
It is permitted to go to a male doctor for an examination and the like, and even to a gynecologist when necessary.
It is proper to leave the door slightly open to prevent a prohibition of seclusion. If the doctor wants to close the door and does not lock it, it may be permitted.
B. If men cannot see you on the balcony, there is no prohibition.
With blessings,
Binyamin Shmuali
עברית
