Q: What is your position on the issue of women and male doctors which is frequently asked about and embarrassing to Muslims? What do you advise Muslim sisters and those who are responsible for them?
A: There is no doubt that the issue of Muslim women and male doctors is very important and tiring; however, as long as the woman is Godfearing, pious, discerning, she must take precautions for herself and be careful of this matter. It is not permissible for her to be in Khulwah (being alone with a member of the opposite sex) with a male doctor, as it is not permissible for doctors to be in Khulwah with her. Orders and instructions have been given to males who are responsible for women to prevent this. A woman must avoid this and seek the capable female doctors whenever available all praise be to Allah thus, there will be no need for a male doctor.
When there is a necessity to visit a male doctor due to the lack of female doctors, there is no objection to examination and treatment, because these matters become permissible when necessity calls. The examination must not be done in private, rather in the presence of a Mahram (spouse or unmarriageable relative) when the illness is in the head, hand, leg, or the like. If the illness is in the 'Awrah (private parts of the body that must be covered in public) regions, her husband or another woman must be present; this is better and safer, or in the presence of one or two nurses. If there is a woman with the nurse, it will be better and safer to prevent suspicion. However, being in private with the woman is not permissible.