TresSugar

DrSugar Answers: How Often Am I Supposed to Go to the Gyno?

DrSugar — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:35:11 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's answering questions about the often dreaded annual gynecological exam.

Dear DrSugar,
I am confused about how frequently I am supposed to have a pap smear. I am 28 and mine have always been normal, and I am now married and monogamous. Should I have a pap every year or every other year? Do the recommendations change with age? If I don't need a pap smear should I still see a gynecologist for an annual exam? Thanks!
- Annually Confused

First of all, thank you for asking such a great question! I am inspired by your proactive approach to preventative care, of which pap smears and annual exams are very important - especially for young women! So let's review the guidelines for these preventative measures.

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TresSugar — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:30:42 PST

How to answer the "are you sexually active" question - College Candy
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On Tap? A Test to Replace the Pap

DearSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:30:31 PDT

The annual Pap smear could become a relic if a new DNA test proves as effective as promised. According to a study published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, a new screening involving DNA could be better than all other tests in detecting HPV and cervical cancer.

For women over 30, the test would only have to be performed every three, five, or 10 years, which would mean an end to the annual smear. But doctors are hesitant to abandon Paps altogether, since the procedure has been incredibly effective at reducing rates of cervical cancer. The new test could be most helpful in lower-income countries, where there are fewer doctors trained to read Pap smears and it's more difficult for women to return for followup appointments. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would welcome a less invasive test; what do you think?

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The Period That Won't Quit

DearSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Now that we've delved into what is and isn't normal when it comes to your period, I thought we could take a closer look at what can cause a period that lasts longer than an average of seven days. If you're experiencing this frustrating change in your cycle, a trip to your gynecologist is a necessity. But in the meantime, it's a good idea to educate yourself on possible explanations in order to prepare yourself for your exam. Here are some of the general possibilities:

For women on the pill, spotting or extended bleeding may be solved with a simple change in prescription to a pill with a higher dosage - not all pills are created equal when it comes to hormones. Or if you're chronically tardy when it comes to taking your pill, you may just need to be more diligent.
If you're not on the pill, hormonal issues can still play a role. If you're having any other strange symptoms outside of your period, be sure to mention them to your gyno; she may want to make sure your thyroid gland is functioning properly.
Both IUCs and Depo-Provera can cause irregular bleeding. If you've started experiencing spotting after trying out either of those methods of contraception, and it lasts for an extended period of time, you may want to discuss the possibility of trying out an entirely different method.

To see other reasons that may account for heavy, prolonged bleeding,

If you're experiencing excessive bleeding, persisting over two weeks or more, there are more significant issues that could be at fault, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any kind of pain or physical discomfort accompanying the excess bleeding.
Heavy bleeding post-period can also be a symptom of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, both of which are very serious. Even if you feel sure you can't possibly be pregnant, it's important to be seen by your doctor.

Dear's Advice: Every woman's different, so don't panic if your cycle differs from your peers. However, if you've noticed a change in your cycle, it's always a good idea to make an appointment to see your gynecologist and make sure that everything is functioning as it should. And don't be afraid to let her in on any other issues you may be experiencing, including emotional ones, as they could be related.

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The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part II

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 PDT

Now that we all have a few reminders when preparing for an upcoming pelvic exam, I have some quick suggestions for the day of the appointment, too. To see them

Always use the bathroom before undressing. Not only do most gynos advise this, but knowing that your bladder is empty may ease your nerves a bit.
Jot down the things you’ve been wanting to discuss so you can remember them all when your doctor is finally in the room with you. You only see her once a year, so make it count.
Mention any tests to check for STIs you're interested in having. Surprisingly enough, most tests are not included in a basic annual exam, but can be quickly added on - some may require a trip to the lab for a quick blood test.
Finally, bring up any issues you may be having with your birth control method, including concerns about a decreased libido. Your gynecologist is there to answer questions and help you find a birth control solution that works for your body and lifestyle.

And remember, don’t be shy! If you have a concern, speak up about it. There is no shame in your body, and it’s more important to face a moment of embarrassment then a dangerous health problem.

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The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part I

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 PDT

I don’t know any women who actually enjoy a trip to the gynecologist, though feelings about settling into the stirrups tend to vary from mild annoyance to extreme anxiety. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s important to make the most of your annual exam. To see my suggestions to do just that

First of all, make sure you have a doctor that you like. A doctor you're comfortable with can mean the difference between a traumatic experience and an appointment that you don't actually dread going to. If you need to find a new gyno, ask your friends or female coworkers - word-of-mouth recommendations are the very best kind!
Try to get a morning appointment. It means less of a wait for you, and it’s always nice to go straight from the shower to the table. While there’s absolutely no rule that says you need to be cleaned up before an appointment, for many woman, knowing they're fresh down there is a huge relief.
Also, when making your appointment, remember to schedule around your period. It’s best to go in during the middle of your cycle, but definitely avoid the week when you expect to be menstruating.
Know the start date of your most recent period beforehand. This is a great habit to get into for all doctor appointments, but especially at the gynecologist because cervical fluid changes based on your cycle.
Refrain from having sex without a condom 24 hours prior to your appointment as semen can make a proper pap smear and exam difficult. The same goes for douching, too!

I have even more tips to keep in mind at the next visit to your gynecologist, so stay tuned for part two!

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Dear Quiz: Test Your PID Knowledge

DearSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 PDT

Earlier this week I shared some important information about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease with you, which is a very serious infection of the reproductive organs. Take this short quiz to find out how much you learned!

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Take the Quiz

The Facts About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:00 PDT

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Infection, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is the term that refers to an infection of a female’s reproductive organs. Perhaps what's most worrisome about PID is that it often goes unnoticed by women and undetected by their doctors - if untreated, it can eventually lead to permanent and serious damage, including infertility. To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for PID,

PID occurs when bacteria moves past the vagina and cervix and into the reproductive organs. While numerous kinds of bacteria can cause PID, two of the most common infections associated with this disease are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
Douching and having an IUD can also increase the risk of developing PID because they can make it easier for bacteria to grow in the uterus.
Unfortunately, symptoms of PID vary greatly, and in fact, in many cases a woman will not be aware that she has anything to worry about. The most common symptom is lower abdominal pain, but if you’ve noticed any strange discharge, painful urination, odor, pain during intercourse, or a noticeably more uncomfortable period talk to your gynecologist.
There is no specific test for diagnosing PID. However, if your doctor suspects PID, she is likely to run blood tests and/or perform a pelvic ultrasound to confirm. Treatment of PID typically requires the use of multiple antibiotics in order to effectively kill all of the potential bacteria that might be the cause.
Like all infections, the sooner PID is treated the better. The longer it goes undetected, the more likely it is that the offending bacteria will invade healthy tissue creating scar tissue, which can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes and ultimately, an increased possibility of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic discomfort. This damage is irreversible.

PID is the leading cause of preventable infertility in women, so while it may not be an STI, it still needs to be treated just as seriously. Take the necessary precautions during intercourse and make sure to address any physical abnormalities with a trip to the gynecologist.

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Do Tell: Have You Had an Embarrassing Moment at the Gyno?

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:00 PDT

Even at its best, a trip to the gynecologist is usually pretty uncomfortable and can be down right awkward. Since going to a doctor’s appointment already makes most of us feel vulnerable, being naked in front of a doctor only makes things even more nerve-wracking. Anxiety, discomfort, nudity, and discussing sex and birth control are just about the perfect equation for an embarrassing moment to arise. So ladies, do tell, have you ever had an embarrassing mishap at the gyno?

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You Asked: I Can't Get Turned On

DearSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:00:00 PST

Dear Sugar,

I can't get aroused anymore. Everything was fine up until a few weeks ago, but then I just suddenly stopped being able to be turned on, either alone or with my partner. I think I'm into it, but then my body doesn’t respond physically. I know it's probably just me being paranoid, but I'm worried that there's something medically wrong with me. I wasn't sure whether this new change might be linked to my period or not. I have had about four periods a year for the last three years. Is there any advice you can offer on getting my sex drive going again? What’s wrong with me?

- Turned Off in Tulsa

To see DearSugar's answer

Dear Turned Off in Tulsa,

There are so many reasons for both a woman’s libido to change as well as her arousal ability to be affected. While it is not uncommon for periods to break from their typical cycle, you should see a gynecologist just to make sure everything is okay; however, it sounds like this problem didn’t start with your irregular period. Is it possible that something significant happened a few weeks ago that you’re not remembering? It could be something as small as a cold or as life-altering as a new job. Subconsciously you might be feeling uncomfortable or distanced from the entire act, which is making your body act this way.

It’s incredibly normal for woman to have periods of time where they’re just not as into sex as usual. Try to focus on anything emotional that could be on your mind and talk about it with someone. Keeping your emotions bottled up will only make it worse. Another thing that might help is when and if you have sex, remember to use lube; it’ll make it a much more pleasant experience even if it can’t be a pleasurable one. Good luck.

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