Many male patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain are being denied treatment because of prohibitions placed on physicians by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, according to a recent article in The New York Times.
On Sept. 12, the ABOG released a newly stringent and explicit statement of what its members could not do. Except for a few conditions, this restrictions include treating men. Failure to abide by this new rule could cause a physician to lose his or her board certification.
The board reversed its ruling to allow gynecologists to screen and treat men who are at high risk for anal cancer, but refuses to make an exception for pelvic pain, a condition poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed in men.
According to the International Pelvic Pain Society, "Gynecologists with the appropriate skills, experience and knowledge who choose to participate in the care of men with chronic pelvic pain should not be at risk of losing their board certification, solely because they participate in the care of patients who have a real need, suffer tremendously and have limited options for treatment." Read the full details here:
Men With Pelvic Pain Find a Path to Treatment Blocked by a Gynecology Board
A recent trend of putting up medical barriers to stop GYN physicians from being able to help men, when they traditionally only treat women, must be torn down to effectuate and allow treatment for these chronic pain sufferers.
If you or a family member believe you have a medical malpractice case, including errors or delay in diagnosis or treatment, contact Crandall & Pera Law today for a free case evaluation. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.