So it’s that dreaded time of the year, you know what I’m talking about.  It’s time for you gynecology exam!  While most of us hate this uncomfortable exam there, you can be reassured there is a point.

Who needs an exam?

It is recommended to start seeing an ob/gyn once puberty starts.  This is to ensure an open relationship and help answering some of those questions about changes your body is going through and any questions about sex.

You really only need a gynecologic exam before age 21 if you are sexually active.  Once you are 21 you will need an exam every year, as part of this exam your physician will do a breast check, as well as a pap smear.

The pap smear is when a small plastic “broom” (yes it does look like a broom) is inserted vaginally to collect cells from the cervix and vagina.  These cells are then placed in liquid and sent to a lab for analysis.  This test is important in detecting changes that in these cells.

It is important to know that just because you have an abnormal pap it does not mean that you have cervical cancer.  There are different grades of cell changes, some require nothing more than monitoring your paps more closely, while others may require biopsies and surgery.

Once you hit 30 years of age, if you have had two to three normal paps in a row, you will be happy to know you only need a pap smear every two to three years! 

If you have never seen an ob/gyn it may be time to start. Ask your friends or family for recommendations on who to see and set up an appointment today.