I suffered through CSA and a rape which stopped me from having my annual well woman exams for many many years. When I was finally forced to go due to a medical condition I was terrified. As the female Dr I chose to see entered the exam room, along with her was a male med student. I thought to myself, "Crap, what am I going to do?"

We discussed the reason I was there, my history with MI, etc. When it came time for the actual exam I asked if I could speak with her privately. OMG! Did I make the right choice of doctors. She was so understanding as I told her about my past and how uncomfortable I was having to be there.

She did the exam without the med student and talked me through the entire process, continually checking to be sure I was OK. She has been so kind and understanding every time I've gone in to see her. Since that first visit I have had to have several surgical procedures that she performed. Each time she has ensured the team was all female.

After my last procedure I had to be hospitalized for several days. My day nurse was a male. When she came to see me that first day, I mentioned it. She apologized, saying she had forgotten to talk to the head nurse. After she checked me over she left, returning moments later saying she had talked to the head nurse and my nurses would only be female.

If your Dr is a good one, he/she will take the time to listen to you and do all they can to make you as comfortable as possible. I don't know what made me pick her, but I forever grateful she is my Dr.