Does doctors need to expose female breasts to use the stethoscope?

[Patrick]

My girlfriend went to see a gastroenterologist the other day and he examined her. There were about 1 or 2 female nurses there as well. She told me that the doctor asked her to lie on a bed, then used the stethoscope on her, then asked her to sit up, and used it on her back. Later, without asking, he pulled her top up, unbuckled her bra and pulled her bra up as well when he used the stethoscope on her.

I don't know anything about medicine but I feel very uneasy whether what the doctor did was necessary or legal because I have never heard of doctors taking off girl's bra in order to check their heartbeat, breathing or lungs.

Since I know nothing about the medicinal profession, my question is, do females need to lift their top and bra in order for the doctor to do a check up? I am really unsure and want to know whether this is a common procedure.

Thank you

[caraiti]

When the doctor examines me he usuallys asks me to lift up my bra but some doctors are able to hear the heart without lifting the bra.
I suppose it depends on the heart beat with the bra on whether he needs to lift the bra.
Our heart is positioned slightly under and behind our left breast so again the size of the breast would be another reason why some doctors need to move the bra up.
Reading your question however made me feel uncomfortable that the doctor removed the bra without telling her. I would have said that made me feel uncomfitable and I would have moved the bra up myself.
 

[kkmalaysia]

According to standard clinical skill teaching, while examine the chest, the chest should be adequately exposed. A chaperon is required.

Using a stethoscope with a layer of cloth in between the diaphragm (or bell) of the stethoscope will not be able to pick up some soft abnormal sound like murmur.

[stanleyfer]

The point of should or should not is irrelevant. I would at least expect my doctor to ask me before he exposes female’s breast. The job of a doctor is to make patients comfortable before performing any procedure. Not doing so can mentally affect the patient.

Author of Health Care.
http://www.healthtotal.net

[caraiti]

Your reply is well worded unfortunately this does not always happen.
Sometimes you can be unlucky and end up with a doctor that does the clinical examination with little or no vebalising at all.
Facts of life I guess.
Thank you for your input Stanleyfer.
It made me feel good to know we think the same.

[Katie448]

I think asking and requesting for a permission from a lady is an educated human being nature. I feel un-comfortable by reading this. A nature is required. I think you should consult a Lawyer for the same to get everything correct.

[caraiti]

I can understand your discomfit but I wouldn't go so far as call in lawyers.
I guess with my constant contact with different doctors I can sort of understand the new doctors that are still learning.

[amanda]

i've heard countless stories like this and all i can say is that professionalism is a must. I do feel that keeping the patient comfortable is at most up most importance.

[linjo]

Hmm this might be necessary to get the correct heart beat and pulse

[izzie]

The point of should or should not is irrelevant. I would at least expect my doctor to ask me before he exposes female’s breast. The job of a doctor is to make patients comfortable before performing any procedure. Not doing so can mentally affect the patient.

Author of Health Care.
http://www.healthtotal.net

I agree with you stanleyfer. Doctor's should also consider the comfort of their patients. Patients who are comfortable with their doctors are more open to telling what it is that's really bothering them, which can really help in avoiding a misdiagnosis.