In socially conservative Azerbaijan, most families prefer that their mothers, wives and daughters seek medical care from female gynecologists.

The Hasanov family in the northern city of Mingecevir is a typical example. The couple is currently expecting their third child and are looking for a doctor. Husband Bahruz (31) will not consider any male gynecologists, however.

“Since our marriage, there have always been dark curtains on the windows. Intimate things should stay inside,” he says.

His wife, who refused to give her name, notes that Bahruz even underscores the need for a female doctor when he calls for an ambulance.

Sociologist Lala Mahmudova says this mentality is based on generations of traditions – as well as some teachings of the Islamic faith.

“Many religions, including Islam, oppose the idea that the female body can be visible to the public and strange men. According to this mentality, it is not acceptable to go to a male gynecologist for the treatment of a woman's sexual organs. Religious beliefs even emphasize that in the case of other illnesses women may be treated by male doctors only if there is no female doctor, or if the female doctor is less experienced,” Mahmudova, MA graduate of Loyola University Chicago`s Women`s Studies and Gender Studies, explains.

The stereotype runs both ways, she adds: men are discouraged from specializing in gynecology because “real men” should deal with serious issues, not childbirth and other “female issues”.

“According to the traditional gender roles, women are more likely to be more caring and compassionate, while men are expected to engage in more authoritative tasks. Therefore, choosing a profession related to female sexual organs, the birth process, and so on -- tasks that deal exclusively with a woman's body feminizes a man, according to society. It reduces his image as a stern figure and distorts the image of a traditional man,” Mahmudova says.

The Azerbaijan's official state statistics body does not keep data on the number of men specializing in gynecology (total number of gynecologists is 1,762). But male gynecologists believe the number is growing – and they are becoming more accepted.