Let me ask this question: If the doctor who wrote the article was a woman - same exact everything - would it still come off that way?

I was plenty annoyed when my woman doctor gave me similar kinds of vague reasons against having an IUD.

I'm a fucking ADULT. It's my life. I am aware of the consequences. Things may change in the future, but seriously, how is that not an issue with every damn decision we make?

The paternalism thing didn't ping me... it's the God complex. Doctor, you may know medicine, and I appreciate your perspective and opinions. But goddamnit, you do not know me and my life better than I do.

Liese, you might want to call your insurance agent and ask about property liability insurance. Regardless of what you've got out there, someone could walk onto your property, break an ankle or whatever and sue you. I wouldn't think it would be that expensive--if you already have property insurance, you might be able to add this coverage on as a rider to your current policy. If you have any further questions, ping me at profile addy and I'll ask my DH (property/casualty actuary).

::considers how House would be as a gynecologist::

:: shudders ::

I should say that looking at more sources, the "regret" numbers do vary - understandably, with something so difficult to measure and that may mean different things to different people. And I don't think a doctor should necessarily be all "whoot! tubal ligation!!!eleventy!" But this doctor seems particularly reluctant to give his patient the credit of understanding her own situation and being able to make a decision.

And you know, lots of things carry the potential for regret. That doesn't make them bad decisions. It certainly doesn't make them anyone else's decision.

I am aware of the consequences.

I think that some patients are not aware of the consequences when they ask for procedures, or drugs they see advertised on TV, etc. We're a well informed group here, with access to resources and information. Doctors, I'm sure, see plenty of patients who haven't tried to get their hands on unbiased information, don't ask questions, or, frankly, are just not particularly intelligent.

Which isn't to say I didn't have the Hulk Smash reaction -- but I was thinking, "if I was this doc's patient...".

It certainly doesn't make them anyone else's decision.

Very true. I agree 100%. Probably more %. In the end though, he did the tubal ligation. He did what she wanted.

But c'mon - how many of us always made smart decisions in our early twenties? It's about women's reproduction, which touches a lot fo buttons, I know. I truly believe it was more her age than her gender that made him want to make sure she got it.

I'd be equally puzzled if a doctor asked if I was really sure that I wanted to have a kid, given the risks and the financial burden I'd be taking on if I went forward with birth, FWIW.

I think anytime someone is considering elective surgeries they need to know all the ramifications - and I don't think the doctor should do the elctive surgery if they have doubts about the suitability for the paitent. But the doctor's arguements were based on " women before 30/women after 30", not on the individual . Not on the fact that she had three children and felt that she could not reasonable care/raise/afford a 4th. it sounds like the final decsion was based on the individual, but the doctor wanted to be led by statistics. That's where it felt like bad care.

If House were a GYN everyone could always get birth control, so idiots don't breed.

I'd be pissed at the doctor if he knew a significant number of patients regretted the surgery after the fact, and didn't talk to me about it.

I'd be pissed at the doctor if he refused me the surgery.

I don't think that doctor did anything worth getting pissed off about. I think a surgeon needs to get into the pros and cons of any procedure (whether or not it involves the reproductive system), but particularly elective procedures.