Aa
Gyno Visits
Hey there,
I was just wondering, when you turn 18 the gyno's want yo uto go to them for the first visit. But what if you haven't had sex before, do they still a pap test, or anything to do with inserting anything into the vagina, because I was always told that you couldn't get one until you were sexually active? A friend of mine told me of another test that they do even if you aren't sexually active, and they still insert something into your vagina to screen. Do you know the name of this test or whether or not it even exists...Thank you so much!
I was just wondering, when you turn 18 the gyno's want yo uto go to them for the first visit. But what if you haven't had sex before, do they still a pap test, or anything to do with inserting anything into the vagina, because I was always told that you couldn't get one until you were sexually active? A friend of mine told me of another test that they do even if you aren't sexually active, and they still insert something into your vagina to screen. Do you know the name of this test or whether or not it even exists...Thank you so much!
why a chlamydia/gc amplic instead of pap for getting on birth control
not sexually active she is 17. answer if you can. insurance didn't coer alll of this but yet it covers yarly paps why? concerned parent
not sexually active she is 17. answer if you can. insurance didn't coer alll of this but yet it covers yarly paps why? concerned parent
Just to let you guys know.. My daughter has been on the pill to try to regulate and stop the bleeding and like I said has never had a PAP. So no not all docs insist on a PAP before giving BC. Also wnted to add that we have a significant family history of Endo and I had a Class III Pap followed by Chryo when I was 24. Even with this history and her problems, the Gyn didn't see that a PAP was necessary. I would worry if it were only one Doc that chose to NOT do one, but she has seen 5 and NONE have found it necessary. Also wanted to add that a GP or Family doc can also teach Self Breast Exams and teach about reproductive health, some even do complete Prenatal and deliver babies..
I understand Dr. HHH's reasoning, but I think that going to the doctor is about more than simply a pap and a pelvic.
Today's GYN does far more than that. Women are taught self breast exams. They get an entire exam, complete with a general health history and physical. I know my GYN does a look see for moles, too, as well as cholesterol and diabetes tests yearly or as needed.
Going to the doctor for yearly exams is just plain good sense to me. Learning how your body works, discussing female issues with someone impartial, and just getting a good check up in general. It's part of growing up and being responsible for your health.
Today's GYN does far more than that. Women are taught self breast exams. They get an entire exam, complete with a general health history and physical. I know my GYN does a look see for moles, too, as well as cholesterol and diabetes tests yearly or as needed.
Going to the doctor for yearly exams is just plain good sense to me. Learning how your body works, discussing female issues with someone impartial, and just getting a good check up in general. It's part of growing up and being responsible for your health.
I agree with the Docs prospective. Why put a young girl thru all that if she isn't having any troubles and isn't sexually active. Many young women just continue to see their Family Doctor and even their Pediatrician if they have a longstanding relationship with him/her for their annual exams and physicals.
I have a daughter who is pushing 17 with a 3 year history of excessive menstrual bleeding and where she has had MANY tests run and such, she (is still a virgin) and to this day has still not had a PAP. The doc as done a visual and examined her but nothing too invasive. She has a wonderful relationship with her doctor and the doctor respects her fears and comfort level. It is vital to have a good doctor/patient relationship.
And Doc>> You are right, I'd rather NEVER go to the Dentist!!LOL I'd rather give birth.
Good Luck Poster.. I hope we answered your concerns.
-J
I have a daughter who is pushing 17 with a 3 year history of excessive menstrual bleeding and where she has had MANY tests run and such, she (is still a virgin) and to this day has still not had a PAP. The doc as done a visual and examined her but nothing too invasive. She has a wonderful relationship with her doctor and the doctor respects her fears and comfort level. It is vital to have a good doctor/patient relationship.
And Doc>> You are right, I'd rather NEVER go to the Dentist!!LOL I'd rather give birth.
Good Luck Poster.. I hope we answered your concerns.
-J
I have been getting paps yearly since 18, at which time I went for bcps. At the age of 20, I had CINII-III, non HPV and had to had to have cryotherapy. I have had only a couple of sexual partners and was married at 19. I think if you are going use bcps, the definately have paps, but if you are not sexually and thereis no risk the for go the paps. Just an opinion.
I don't know...what if you have a family history of ovarian cancer? Isn't that what the pelvic exam is mainly about? Other than STDs? I would think that if you have a family history, you should get yourself checked out even if you're not sexually active. But I DO agree that there's no reason for us to have them the minute we're 18 if we're NOT sexually active. Plus, I don't think doctors will put you on the pill without a pap, right? Because of my family history, my mom made me get my first exam at 18, but I didn't get my second until I was 23 and wanted to get on the pill.
You will be interested to know that there is an ongoing debate--for several years--about the need and importance of routine pelvic exams in young women. Although there are exceptions, many adolescent medicine experts point out that it's BS; there is little if any health gain in routinely starting to do pelvic exams by any particular age. Also with exceptions, gynecologists tend to argue that it's an important thing to do. (Is it a coincidence that routine pelvic exams bring in millions of dollars nationwide into ObGs' pockets?)
I tend to side with the adolescent medicine argument: there is no particular need to begin annual pelvic exams at any particular age. Someone who hasn't become sexually active definitely doesn't need a pap smear. Even if sexually active, paps before age 25 or so are at least debatable. Although pap abnormalities are not rare, 99% of the time they resolve on their own and do not in fact lead to cancer. (In the future, I predict that recommendations will change to not even start routine annual paps until age 25 or so.) And other STD testing (gonorrhea, chlamydia) can be done with urine, not requiring a traditional pelvic exam.
Having said all that, a pelvic examination--properly done by a caring and sensitive provider--really isn't that big a deal. It isn't something most women would do for hoots, but certainly less stressful than the average visit to the dentist. (OK, that's a male perspective, and some people feel differently about it.)
Bottom line: Since you aren't yet sexually active, there definitely is no hurry in having an exam, and you don't need a pap smear. Once sexually active, it is a matter of debate; some very well-meaning smart folks would disagree with my comments above. But if you decide to go ahead with it, just ask some friends about their providers; word of mouth is actually pretty reliable in choosing a sensitive, caring, knowledgeable women's health care provider. Or just visit your local Planned Parenthood clinic, where the odds are strong you'll find someone who understands your concerns and will give you a sensitive, expert exam.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
I tend to side with the adolescent medicine argument: there is no particular need to begin annual pelvic exams at any particular age. Someone who hasn't become sexually active definitely doesn't need a pap smear. Even if sexually active, paps before age 25 or so are at least debatable. Although pap abnormalities are not rare, 99% of the time they resolve on their own and do not in fact lead to cancer. (In the future, I predict that recommendations will change to not even start routine annual paps until age 25 or so.) And other STD testing (gonorrhea, chlamydia) can be done with urine, not requiring a traditional pelvic exam.
Having said all that, a pelvic examination--properly done by a caring and sensitive provider--really isn't that big a deal. It isn't something most women would do for hoots, but certainly less stressful than the average visit to the dentist. (OK, that's a male perspective, and some people feel differently about it.)
Bottom line: Since you aren't yet sexually active, there definitely is no hurry in having an exam, and you don't need a pap smear. Once sexually active, it is a matter of debate; some very well-meaning smart folks would disagree with my comments above. But if you decide to go ahead with it, just ask some friends about their providers; word of mouth is actually pretty reliable in choosing a sensitive, caring, knowledgeable women's health care provider. Or just visit your local Planned Parenthood clinic, where the odds are strong you'll find someone who understands your concerns and will give you a sensitive, expert exam.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Most GYN's perform a pap smear regardless of your sexual activity. Remember they are screening for abnormal cells, so it is needed. Sometimes they screen for HPV, and a couple of STD's, but if you are not active, they may not. However the pap smear does involve inserting a speculum into the vagina, there will be some pressure. Good Luck
When I went to my first gyno appt at 18, I was also still a virgin. Unfortunately, they still do a pap smear, along with the whole exam. :( But my doctor used smaller tools that she said she used on all virgins. It was uncomfortable, and it never IS a fun visit, but I it's necessary for our health. If you have worn tampons it shouldn't be a problem.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Women's Health Community
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.
