How do I mention this to my doctor

[maydayp]

Okay, so I'm not sexually active, and I don't plan to be in the near future. But I have a lot of pain when inserting tampons (which besides the discomfort inserting, is my fav form of 'protection' because my cramps go away when using them), or masturbating with 'toys' (and yes I use lube). I would like to see a gynecologist, and get everything down south checked out  (I also want to say byebye to my period and go suppression method, via the patch). But I think that my GP is probably qualified to do the pap-smear, and he will at least prescribe the pill. But I would like a female doctor. I barely see my doctor as it is, and he treats most of my family (but I don't think he or his staff gossip), and it just feels uncomfortable to discuss this stuff with him.
and I'd basically have to make an appointment for this, 'cause I don't have regular doctor appointments.

[thatquietgirl]

Can you talk to your health care provider about switching doctors?  You surely aren't stuck with this one (Kaiser will let you just go online and select your physician as you desire).  Explain your situation and I'm sure someone will understand.  I mean, even if it didn't come down to the "he sees your family issue," most people understand since your general practitioner does perform breast exams as well.

Is there a reason you don't want to go to a gynecologist?  A gynecologist would be more well-versed in talking about the various birth control methods and their associated risks and instructions as well as what could be causing the pain when using a tampon or toys.  Your general practitioner will have knowledge, but it's not their mainstay as it would be for a gynecologist.

[maydayp]

Yeah I know what you mean. And my anxiety issues don't help me at all. I have high anxiety about going to the doctors (I was raised getting told that I was lying about health issues, that nothing was wrong, etc. So I fear the rejection of getting told there's nothing wrong even when I don't want anything to be wrong)

[fibrofighterX]

eh, exactly the same here.

honestly tho, some of the best docs i've ever had were male. i used to insist on female, but they sucked at their job, so i just said whatever. male or female, they are human beings trained, know what they're doing, and care about me so i dont really care who they are. (ive seen like, ten billion doctors in the past few years) i dont want to spend so much energy worrying when i already feel like crap. i just let go of my need to control and trust that i'll be okay.

but i dont know how to mention this issue either. because i feel like, if i randomly bring it up, i'll be a freak. like a *********..