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Hi Kate, no one likes having to go through a GYN exam.
It is presumed that you are there because you need to be and want to have the dr. services. The Dr. won't take heavy machinery to pry your legs open, however they might speak with you and gently move them apart. Just tell them how you feel... and it will be fine.
Some women prefer male doctors to female doctors... I guess that you will have to find one that you are comfortable with. -
I must presume you have never had a GYN exam, Kate, but must admit my inner thoughts are that Kate is a man and not a young girl at all...
Giving to either possibility, male or female interests, the truth is that during a GYN exam the feet are strapped into affixed sandals and also are there straps to restrain the knees, if needed, so that the patient cannot close her legs...
Many women prefer a male GYN, and I am one of those. Male GYNs appear more sensitive to our feelings when they attach the spreading clamp and then insert the darn smear patch. My male GYN even uses pre-warmed tools. I have tried two female GYNs in the past and found them not always sensitive to our feelings, especially if they are having a bad-hair day...
Besides, it's really fun teasing a male GYN as he "pretends" looking at my lovely intimates as if it doesn't bother him...lol When he inserts the smear patch I sometimes groan a little, thrust my hips and even sometimes tell him not to stop...WOW...does his face get red...heeee heee
Kate, it's something we all must do so why should it be a painful ordeal...? I will have a male GYN forever...
Sandra_does...Comment
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I forgot to add, Kate, that the restraints are usualy used "only" if you have fears and a history of being very tense during the exam. If this is your situation then tell the GYN ahead of time. After a few visits and having gained confidence you will adjust to the situation and not need restraints any longer...
The important thing is to "always" communicate with your GYN before the examination begins...he / she will understand and do what's right for you...
Good luck, Kate, you will get thru it...
Sandra_does...Comment
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Wow Sandra, I don't know what sort of GYN you go to, but at over 50, I've seen a few, I never had or seen any equipment for strapping someone's feet into the stirrups or for straps for restraining the knees.
I don't know Any women who prefer a male GYN, many don't really have a preference but you are the first I've heard of who thinks a male is more sensitive to women's feelings. My own experiences have been quite the opposite.
By spreading clamp, do you mean a speculum? And what is a smear patch"? I've always had a doc use a rather long version of a Qtip. But I'm in the US, perhaps other areas have slightly different practices. That wouldn't surprise me.
Personally, I think your description of your behavior toward your GYN sounds wildly inappropriate. I do hope he follows the accepted standard and in some places required practice, of having a nurse present at all times while examining you.
Kate, GYNs and their support staff should be generally experienced and trained in helping women relax and feel comfortable. They usually explain exactly what they are doing and why and what you can expect to feel as they do. It is a quick and simple process.Comment
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