[preciousjeni]

For me, it's been more about experience and care.

I've seen both women and men in state health departments. All my experiences in these were AWFUL!

I saw both women and men in Planned Parenthood. Again, AWFUL.

When I saw gynecologists in private practice, I had much better luck. My favorite gynecologist was a woman (unfortunately, she had a stroke and passed a few years ago). She was very gentle and was careful to use warm instruments. She also talked through everything and explained any issues in detail.

In a way, I was very much at ease with her because she was a lesbian. I'm sure it had no bearing on her qualifications as a doctor, but in my mind, it meant that she knew how to work with my delicate equipment. I suppose that anything that comforts a woman psychological is good during an exam.

I also saw a man who was my gynecologist/obstetrician for a time. He was also wonderful - very gentle, informative and thorough.