I had a female OB because I figured if anyone would know what I was going through, she would.

It turns out that she was totally ignoring the symptoms I had regarding fibroid tumors. I had awful, painful periods. I finally went to another doctor for a second opinion (a male OB). He sent me for an ultrasound. It was then that they found a cluster of fibroid tumors (up till then I was having them removed every couple of years). I was 45 at the time and knew I wasn't planning on anymore kids so I had the hysterectomy. I do NOT miss the monthly aggravation at all! That's the price to pay.