Thank you for sharing this story, Tee! Yes, it happens to too many of us and I'm glad you're shedding light on this issue.

When I was in my early 20s, I saw a male gynecologist once who had no bedside manner. What's worse is that after he put the speculum in, a nurse called him away, and he left it in. I thought he was coming right back, but he left me on the table for at least 20 minutes while I focused on not moving and breathing through the discomfort. When he came back, he noticed me unmoving on the table, came around to see that he had left it in, and said "Whoops." He simply took it out without apologizing.

His disregard for me and my body left me shaking and I fought back tears through the rest of the appointment. I was so unsure of myself and my body that I didn't say anything until the nurse came back in after he left and all I could manage to get out is "He left it in me. He left it in me."

After that experience, I'll never see another male gynecologist again. I'm sure there are many who are skilled and gentle, but for me, it's too traumatizing to relive that experience again.

I wholeheartedly agree--sharing our stories is an important place to start.

Thanks again!