YOUNG-WOMEN Messages for September, 2000: Re: High risk for abnormal pap smears

Re: High risk for abnormal pap smears

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 13 Sep 2000 22:41:04 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: ili: "High risk for abnormal pap smears"

At Tue, 12 Sep 2000, ili wrote: >
>I have never had a pap smear, and upon going in to get one, my physician
>told me that I was at high risk for abnormal pap smears because I am
>under 20 and have had multiple partners in the past.

I prefer "higher than average" rather than "high". If condomes were used religiously, the risk may be closer to average.

>She told me that
>my cervix was still developing, changing, and reacting to my former
>partners. Is this something more young women need to be aware about-
>that having sex before the age of 20 will put them at such risks of
>abnormal pap smears?

Again, this is a potential problem, but the answer is "yes".

>Are these acquired risks potentially serious?

The major risk is the possiblity to acquire a sexually transmitted disease such as HPV which causes warts, benign cervical chnanges as well as pre-cancers and cancers.

>What
>are the physical health risks of women having sex before 20?

Answered above but wwe can add herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, Hepatitis B (yes, it can be sexually transmitted) and HIV.

>She also
>told me that I should always use a condom from now on for my cervical
>health because of my past and my high risk for abnormal pap smears. But
>my boyfriend and I are monogamous and have been dating for over a year,

There may be some exposure from your boyfriend unknowingly. He may have bben exposed to an infection noted above and may be able to transmit it without knowing he may even have it. Condoms are the best way, not necessarily the most convenient way. the olf saying is "You pays your money and you takes your chances".

>I am on the pill, we have both been tested for STD's, and have
>previously not used condoms. Would incorporating condom use be a
>necessary change for my health?

Answered above.

>Also can you please explain to me the
>biological (the immnoresponse taking place) from me against my previous
>partners at my cervix that would lead to these abnormal pap smears?

Answered aboe as well.

>Thank you so much!

Hope this helps. I tell my patients, "In addition to any other for of birth control, there are three things they must use - condoms, condoms and condoms".

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
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and/or interventions.

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Next message: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: need advice"
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In reply to: ili: "High risk for abnormal pap smears"

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