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Re: YOUNGWOMEN: pap/ smear test as virgin
From: anom (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 5 Jun 2007 01:03:57 -0500 (CDT)
At Mon, 4 Jun 2007, grateful mom wrote:
>Thanks im not sure what they recomend on pelvic exams here in the uk its not something i have ever really heard mentioned. I think the smear ( pap test ) is reccomended every three years more so if your sexually active. To be honest its not something i really feel i need but its just finding the correct info as it all seems conflicting weather if its needed or not.
>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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