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Re: YOUNGWOMEN: pap/ smear test as virgin
From: grateful mom (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 4 Jun 2007 22:01:02 -0500 (CDT)
I tend to disagree with Pat on this one, granted I am not a medical
professional; however, women can still have vaginal, cervical, or
ovarian cancers and still be a virgin. The pap smear detects not only
cervical but also vaginal dysplasia. You DO NOT have to be HPV positive
to have cervical or vaginal cancer. It is also important to have an
external exam done yearly. A pelvic exam can also reveal pelvic floor
abnormalities.
I believe ACOG recommends a pap smear for all women within 3 years of
their first sexual encounter or at age 21. Seems reasonable. It is not
a sexual exam, it will not render you no longer a virgin, but it may
save your life. I strongly recommend that you have yearly pelvic exams
and a pap at least every two or three years until you become sexually
active.
Just my humble opinion.
At Mon, 4 Jun 2007, Pat Sonnenstuhl wrote:
>
>My opinion is:
>
>If you have never had sex, there is no reason for a pap smear if you
>aren't having problems of some kind. A pap smear is intended to pick up
>signs of cervical cancer, which we now know is associated with the HPV
>virus. I might suggest you consider getting the vaccine if you have
>never had intercourse.
>
>I know that some organizations, such as Planned Parenthood will provide
>birth control and not require a pelvic exam before giving the pills, for
>exactly the reasons you cite.
>
>If you are considering becoming sexually acxtive, you might consider
>getting a pap and pelvic, just to rule out any possible problems. With
>a gentle gyn provider or nurse practitioner, but exam shouldn't be so
>bad.
>
>I used to do first pelvic exams and they can be an okay experience,
>nothing to be fearful of.
>At Mon, 4 Jun 2007, anom wrote:
>>
>>hi im im just wondering what peoples opinions on having a pap test if
>>your a virgin. im 28 and am a virgin and have never had a pelvic exam
>>or pap test or smear test as we call it in the uk. my main reason for
>>this is simply out of fear or the embarrasment of going. But i have
>>never mentioned this to the doc or asked if i really need it. it seems
>>in america there is much more emphisis on pelvic exams etc starting from
>>a young age where as here in uk its not really recomended till in your
>>20's or if your sexually active at a ealier age. so it gets quite
>>confusing as to how important it really is. But i was just wondering is
>>it reall nessary unless your sexually active.
>
>--
>Pat Sonnenstuhl, CNM, CHT
>
>Hypnosis for Healing and HypnoFertility Therapy
>http://home.comcast.net/~prebirthhealth/hypnosisforhealing.htm
>http://home.comcast.net/~prebirthhealth/birthcounseling.htm
>
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