It's the damnedest thing I have ever seen.
My wife and I have been married for 30 years, so I know her pretty well....I think...LOL. I usually go with her to the doctor now, because I discovered that she was entirely uncommunicative when it came to describing her symptoms. I could actually do a better job of it, and at least help with the diagnoses.
Many doctors just do a crap load of tests and some just give out a tranq or pain pill and tell the patient to come back when they can present their problem better.
LOL! Often after my wife has visited the doctor I’ll say things like:
Did you mention your headaches? “No - I didn’t have one today”.
What did he say about the sore neck? “I forgot to mention it to him”.
Did he think that other medication might be part of the problem? “Oh of course its not, I didn’t even bring it up”....
No offense taken. I think you are right. Many women, especially older women, are in awe of their doctors or extremely shy about examinations. This was my mother’s problem. She actually fought to keep her underwear on in the ER after her heart attack. She was mortified by the examinations and was so upset by the colonoscopy that she had another heart attack.
Some women are afraid. You are wise to go with your wife. All sick patients need an assertive family member to go along with them and be an advocate for the patient. Sick people can’t advocate for themselves; it’s too tiring.
Insist on a doctor who likes to do tests.