Just an anecdotal story...
I had to get that dreaded gyno test done last month, and ended up getting a general practitioner rather than the actual gynecologist. Which is fine, since it's just a simple test (swab and done) and she's more than capable--been practicing 30+ years, highly respected, my mom's GP, etc. I saw her around this time last year to get some shots that were required before I started T. I was still listed as *female name* on the charts. I didn't see the point in disclosing (didn't plan on seeing her again). I also was afraid of being refused care. I live in a very small, conservative area and, after some rude encounters with medical professionals while I was trying to find a therapist and/or doctor who would help me get started with transition, I pretty much lost all hope that there would be *anyone* experienced with--or even compassionate towards--trans patients.
So I'm sitting in the exam room in a state of serious undress, not knowing that it was her who was going to do the exam. She walks in and starts talking; apparently she remembers me, though I don't yet recognize her as the doc I saw last year. And she just starts talking, asking how I'm doing. I say something along the lines of 'good, except for what's gonna come next.' The rest of the words don't matter; it was more of how she handled it. My name was changed on my chart. She had put two-and-two together already--and was completely unfazed. Didn't bat an eyebrow, acted like it was the most normal 'of course' scenario one could imagine. Asked a few questions, but generally had a decent grasp on the concept of medical transition. She said that when she saw me last year (mind, this was pre-everything), she wondered about me--but, in the name of professional and personal courtesy, didn't ask.
In consideration of everything, she gave me the least invasive, least painful (if only I knew before that they could use such tiny swabs) exam I've ever had. Contrast this to the last gyno, who apparently thought that I was a 'normal, sexually active female' who should have no problem having large objects stuc--well, you get the idea. Sometimes talking to your doctor really does pay off. Before I left, we had a talk about hystos. She agreed that I won't be able to get it locally (Catholic hospital--they won't remove reproductive organs unless absolutely necessary, aka cancer; they're also not especially trans-friendly). So she offered to call the non-religious hospital two hours away (a significant improvement over the 4-6 hours I was previously looking at) and see if there were any gynos willing to work with me--she did, there are, and basically... if you can get an understanding doctor on your side, they can be an incredibly awesome resource for the rest of your transition.
