2008 Woodie Awards
Tuesdays With Martha
Lesbians Need Papsmears too
Issue date: 3/7/06 Section: Columns
- Page 1 of 1
Dear Martha,
I have never had a Pap smear. My roommate has had a bunch and says it is no big deal, and that I should have one. But she is straight and I am gay. Do I really need one? I am not looking forward to it.
Signed, Pap Not
Dear Pap Should,
While few women look forward to their Pap smears, these tests are effective, quick, easy and relatively inexpensive and the answer is 'Yes', you should have a Pap smear.
A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. A speculum which looks like a long duck bill is inserted into the vagina and is opened to allow a view of the vaginal walls and the cervix. A swab, paddle or soft brush is used to collect cells from the opening of the cervix. These are examined microscopically for changes consistent with infection or cancer. Cervical cancer is very common, often asymptomatic and highly treatable when caught early. The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV (human papilloma virus), but other STD's are associated with an increased incidence. Cervical cancer is most common in women who are sexually active with men, but it does occur in women who have sex with women and less commonly in women who have never been sexually active.
Gynecologic exams have a bad rep. They are awkward and a little uncomfortable, but they shouldn't hurt. For women who haven't had anything in their vagina before (i.e. tampons, dildos, fingers, penises) the hymen and vagina haven't been stretched which theoretically could make the exam more uncomfortable. In this case some simple exercises done at home in advance can open things up a bit. Relaxation and breathing during the exam is key. Our women's health clinicians are experienced and sensitive and will guide you to make the Pap experience a positive one.
The current recommendations are to have your first Pap within 3 years of your first sexual encounter (genital/genital, oral/genital) or by age 21 whichever comes first. They should be done yearly for at least the first three years, and then frequency is based on results and risk. The experts do not differentiate between women who have sex with women, women who have sex with men and women who have sex with both.
Later,
Martha
I have never had a Pap smear. My roommate has had a bunch and says it is no big deal, and that I should have one. But she is straight and I am gay. Do I really need one? I am not looking forward to it.
Signed, Pap Not
Dear Pap Should,
While few women look forward to their Pap smears, these tests are effective, quick, easy and relatively inexpensive and the answer is 'Yes', you should have a Pap smear.
A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. A speculum which looks like a long duck bill is inserted into the vagina and is opened to allow a view of the vaginal walls and the cervix. A swab, paddle or soft brush is used to collect cells from the opening of the cervix. These are examined microscopically for changes consistent with infection or cancer. Cervical cancer is very common, often asymptomatic and highly treatable when caught early. The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV (human papilloma virus), but other STD's are associated with an increased incidence. Cervical cancer is most common in women who are sexually active with men, but it does occur in women who have sex with women and less commonly in women who have never been sexually active.
Gynecologic exams have a bad rep. They are awkward and a little uncomfortable, but they shouldn't hurt. For women who haven't had anything in their vagina before (i.e. tampons, dildos, fingers, penises) the hymen and vagina haven't been stretched which theoretically could make the exam more uncomfortable. In this case some simple exercises done at home in advance can open things up a bit. Relaxation and breathing during the exam is key. Our women's health clinicians are experienced and sensitive and will guide you to make the Pap experience a positive one.
The current recommendations are to have your first Pap within 3 years of your first sexual encounter (genital/genital, oral/genital) or by age 21 whichever comes first. They should be done yearly for at least the first three years, and then frequency is based on results and risk. The experts do not differentiate between women who have sex with women, women who have sex with men and women who have sex with both.
Later,
Martha