Smear test?!


Question: Smear test!?
I'm 20 and have been sexually active for 3 years (with the same guy)!. The laws/rules/what ever you want to call them about smear tests keep changing (in the UK)!. Initially you would be 21 to get your first smear but now it's been increased to 25, do you think I should go anyway!? Surely it's better to be safe than sorry!?Www@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
Wow, thats really terrible that they make you wait until you're 25 to have your first pap smear (not that the US health system is so great)!. In the US it's recommended that you get yearly pap smears as soon as you're sexually active or 18 year old, whichever comes first!. They're necessary to check you for cervical cancer (a woman can have cervical cancer by age 25)!. Also, the pelvic exam is good for detecting any abnormalities like bacterial infections and the health of your ovaries!. Obviously they also check for STDs such as chlamydia, but I'm sure you don't need to worry about that since you've been with the same partner for 3 years!.

Not sure what the costs are in the UK for an exam that isn't covered by your health care system, but I do think it's a good idea to go!. I know if my insurance didn't cover my annual exams, my cost to go to my regular gynecologist (in a private practice) would be around $200 (around 100 UK pounds I believe) for the pelvic exam and lab tests (pap smear)!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

The rule of thumb is that as soon as you are sexually active, you should have pap smears!.
Ask your obs/gyn/gp when you go for your pap test how often you should go!. Some doctors prefer annual check-ups to be done, others every other year or third year!.
Rather be safe than sorry!.
Also remember to check your breasts for lumps because it's usually only older women who go for regular mammagrams so breast cancer is often missed in younger women!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

You are in an age group that is unlikely to get cervical dysplasia so insurance won't cover it unless you have other risk factors like history of HPV or a strong family history of cervical cancer, a weakened immune system, etc!. There really is not much of a reason to get it other than reassurance if you are otherwise well!. If the test is inexpensive, then go for it!. Otherwise, report any unusual symptoms to your doctor and depend on his or her recommendation!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Pap smears are actually to detect for cervical problems!. They aren't designed to check to any type of STD!. For women in the US, it's routinely done every year either when she is 18 or becomes sexually active!. It's done even if the woman isn't at risk of having a STD!. It never hurts to be sure!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

the new jab to prevent hpv that causes cervical changes is available to 13 year olds so there should be nothing to stop you at 20 years old asking for a smear test!. It is better safe than sorry- i had my first at 20 and had abnormalities but chances are you won'tWww@Answer-Health@Com

it tests for HPV, an STD!. you can show abnormalities at age 20, having been sexually active for 3 years!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

PLEASE go have the test done! I waited to long and got cervical cancer!. Take care of yourself now, put your mind at ease and get it done soon!.Www@Answer-Health@Com





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