Female health exams and issues

divine1966 · Jun 24, 2024 at 03:10 PM

I just got a new ob/gyn (my old one retired) and it was the first time in my life when exam and Pap smear didn’t hurt.

I liked my previous gyn because I had gyn issues and it was taken care of, very knowledgeable. But Pap smear was always uncomfortable.

It was barely noticeable this time. I don’t know what was different. It also helped that gyn talked the whole time engaging me in a conversation and I didn’t even notice

Vaginal dryness is normal with age. Am not going any creams and was never prescribed any.

MuddyBoots · Jun 24, 2024 at 04:16 PM

I was supposed to get a check up in Feb. Said "eff that" and didn't make an appointment, which is easy when your doc leaves the office and you leave the region. Funny how right after I say that was the last period I had despite spotting and pain. I thought about making an appointment briefly. Nahhh.

Discombobulated · Jul 17, 2024 at 02:32 AM

I just saw this today, apparently they’ve already got self testing in a number of countries (the Nordic progressive ones):

DIY kits could boost cervical-cancer checks by one million - BBC News

The article says it’s like a covid swab - bring it on, I say.

splitimage · Jul 17, 2024 at 04:37 AM

Interesting. I think I'd be up for this.

nonightowl · Jul 17, 2024 at 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

The article says it’s like a covid swab - bring it on, I say.

Progressive countries doesn’t include the US, especially these days. We are behind in many areas.

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nonightowl · Jul 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

snip: I just saw this today, apparently they’ve already got self testing in a number of countries (the Nordic progressive ones):

I was trying to quote this part but didn’t know how to fix it. We’re not as progressive as the government likes to tout, especially on women’s health.

———
Sent from my iPhone

Discombobulated · Jul 17, 2024 at 12:59 PM

Yes I’d say many of the historically more powerful countries have become behind when it comes to health and welfare access. Uk included! They’re just talking about it now but let’s hope it’s going to become an option- as there’s no staff cost for the procedure surely it’d make economic sense too.

MuddyBoots · Jul 17, 2024 at 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonightowl

I was trying to quote this part but didn’t know how to fix it. We’re not as progressive as the government likes to tout, especially on women’s health.

———
Sent from my iPhone

I get the jist that much of the country doesn't not want the US to be labeled as "progressive." I do not know what these folks have about PROGRESSive. Should we go regressive? How far in that direction? We gonna give the land back to the Natives? I'd get on board with that actually. But they should have self-testing kits.

NatalieJastrow · Jul 17, 2024 at 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by splitimage

I went for a pap smear yesterday and it was an absolute nightmare. I hate them at the best of times but yesterday was extra horrible. I actually screamed because the specculum (sp??) hurt so much. My Dr. said I had vaginal dryness and so prescribed an estrogen cream. I am less than thrilled at the idea of having to apply it, as I know I'll feel super awkward. Sigh the joys of being an older woman.

Oh dang I haven't had a pap since menopause. And I am due. Last one was painful. But I did ask for a small speculum and lube.

Discombobulated · Jul 18, 2024 at 06:34 AM

Just to clarify, these tests are HPV testing not Pap smears. I think the idea is if you test positive for HPV they’d test further.

I just realised these test kits are already available in the UK just not on the NHS, you can buy them privately apparently. Not sure about the US though as they aren’t yet FDA approved.

MuddyBoots · Jul 18, 2024 at 10:46 AM

Looked it up and apparently it was FDA approved as the Teal Wand a couple months ago. It is available, but seems harder to get access to (have to be eligible after applying through Teal Health who gets in touch with your doc who prescribes it, and then it gets shipped to your address) Couldn't find any information on cost or if insurance would cover it or not. I'd think it'd be cheaper than a clinical screening which is also covered (in my experience, had three different insurance companies over the years and they've all covered it), so it should?

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Female health exams and issues

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Discombobulated Elder Member Since Oct 2019 Location: UK Posts: 5,238 (SuperPoster!) 5 12.5k hugs given	Jul 17, 2024 at 02:32 AM #23 I just saw this today, apparently they’ve already got self testing in a number of countries (the Nordic progressive ones): DIY kits could boost cervical-cancer checks by one million - BBC News The article says it’s like a covid swab - bring it on, I say.
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splitimage Moderator Community Support Team Member Since Mar 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 11,529 18 79 hugs given	Jul 17, 2024 at 04:37 AM #24 Interesting. I think I'd be up for this. __________________ "I danced in the morning when the world was begun. I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun". From my favourite hymn. "If you see the wonder in a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail." Abba
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Discombobulated Elder Member Since Oct 2019 Location: UK Posts: 5,238 (SuperPoster!) 5 12.5k hugs given	Jul 17, 2024 at 12:59 PM #27 Yes I’d say many of the historically more powerful countries have become behind when it comes to health and welfare access. Uk included! They’re just talking about it now but let’s hope it’s going to become an option- as there’s no staff cost for the procedure surely it’d make economic sense too.
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Discombobulated Elder Member Since Oct 2019 Location: UK Posts: 5,238 (SuperPoster!) 5 12.5k hugs given	Jul 18, 2024 at 06:34 AM #30 Just to clarify, these tests are HPV testing not Pap smears. I think the idea is if you test positive for HPV they’d test further. I just realised these test kits are already available in the UK just not on the NHS, you can buy them privately apparently. Not sure about the US though as they aren’t yet FDA approved.
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