[nikki1920]

My first OB/GYN was a man. He was THEE best. He taught me that I was my own best advocate, and if any doctor was doing anything to make me feel uncomfortable in ANY way, that I needed to tell them to STOP and end the appointment. Many of us will not do that for fear of looking stupid or silly or whatever. ALL of my GYNs will be measured against him because he was that good. He was the kind of doctor who was ALWAYS running late because he took however much time the patient needed. My midwife was the same when I had my daughter.

I don't buy the theory that men dont make good GYNs because they dont have the same equipment. Some medical professionals are just assholes by nature, but will take it down if they are CALLED on it and a formal complaint is given. They are there to serve you, not the other way around. Don't be afraid to ask for someone else, if you can.

And in regards to pain, you have to make it relative. Not just "it hurts", but be as descriptive as possible: on a scale of 1 to 10, its a 7, it feels like someone with a hot iron is stabbing my uterus (I've said these things!). I have had some rough female doctors perform my annual tests, and I let them know when it hurts or feels uncomfortable. It's YOUR body and its unique. What they do for others, may not work for you, but they won't know that until and unless you tell them. The key is to try to relax as much as possible and to keep breathing normally.

EVERY woman should see a GYN yearly after the age of 18 or when she becomes sexually active, whichever happens first. Not being sexually active is NOT a reason to avoid the GYN. If you are uncomfortable, do what we are doing here. Ask your girlfriends, talk to other women about issues specific to us and don't be embarrassed. We've all been in the stirrups, and can offer some advice to someone.

WebMD is a great source of information. Has anyone else ever had a Bartholin's Gland cyst? I had one last year and it was VERY painful.