As I mentioned before, I appreciated Joe’s concern and care throughout this entire experience and that didn’t stop when the exam started.

”It’s nice to meet you, too, Dr. Joe.” I looked around the room and was surprised how Joe was able to transform the hotel room into our own personal exam space. He set up his exam table next to a long bureau, which he carefully covered with towels. On the bureau, he has a small tray that he laid out all his tools. There was a bowl, a small clear cup, my speculum, some long cotton swabs, a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, a tongue depressor, a small flashlight, several pairs of gloves, and a tube of lubricant. On the opposite side of his table was a gooseneck lamp that he brought along. The table itself was covered with a white cotton sheet. A gown and another sheet were neatly folded on the end of the exam table.

”PJ, would you please have a seat on the couch. I’d like to review a few things with you.”

”Sure.” I sat on the couch and Joe sat on a chair across from me.

”You are here for a thorough female exam today, correct?”

”Yes.”

”When was your last period?”

”Two weeks ago.”

”Any concerns today?”

”No.”

”Great. Let’s get started. There is a gown on the table and a small cup on the counter. Could you please use the restroom, undress completely, provide a urine sample, and put the gown on with the opening in the back? You can leave your clothes in the bathroom.”

”Ok.”

I went into the bathroom, closed, and locked the door. I took all my clothes off and folded them. I placed them on the counter. Then, I went to the bathroom and peed in the cup. I placed the cup on the counter, washed my hands, then put on the gown. I made sure to tie the two sets of ties the best I could. I then looked in the mirror and took a few deep breaths. I was definitely feeling the butterflies but knew that if things weren’t going well, I could stop at any point.

I opened the door. I took a few steps out.

“Were you able to provide a urine sample? Dr. Joe asked.

”Yes, I left it on the counter.”

”Great. I’ll look at that in a few moments. Let’s get your current height and weight.”

I didn’t even notice that Joe had a small scale on the floor next to the wall and a tape measure attached to the wall.

“5’7” and 175. Excellent. Please have a seat on the exam table. You may use the sheet to cover your lap. I’m going to test your urine.”

Dr. Joe went into the bathroom. I sat on the exam table between the stirrups and places the sheet over my waist. Dr. Joe returned a minute later.

”Everything looks okay, there. Let’s get started.”