What your gyno should be telling you…

[MsBlueStreak]

This interesting read landed in my feeds the other day. How many of these did you already know? How many are news to you?

EDIT: http://www.pressroomvip.com/g/what-your-gyno-doesnt-tell-you-but-should/?utm_content=inf_10_1194_2&utm_source=edge&utm_medium=arttitle&tse_id=INF_3c595170d83d11e6a03c354c456e1db2

[Aunt_Flo]

Is there a link somewhere I’m not seeing?

[MsBlueStreak]

There was… don’t know what happened?!  :p

http://www.pressroomvip.com/g/what-your-gyno-doesnt-tell-you-but-should/?utm_content=inf_10_1194_2&utm_source=edge&utm_medium=arttitle&tse_id=INF_3c595170d83d11e6a03c354c456e1db2

[Kit]

Hmmm, I find the topic of gynaecologists interesting. Personally, I don’t see the need as I’m comfortable with my GP but I’m interested to know if others find a specialist a necessity or if it’s just the prevailing social convention to roll out talk about ‘gynos’. Anyone? Am I seriously missing something? Is there a secret gynaecologist life hack to ultimate lady bits and one will never be able to live their true feminine self without one?

[Aunt_Flo]

@kit I saw a gynaecologist for my first pap test! I knew there wasn’t a need to, but I was having other symptoms, AND my GP had told me I didn’t need to get my first test until I was 25. So, I just decided to bite the bullet, pay for the specialist and get everything checked out in one go.

It felt great to have a specialist for my other issues, but in terms of routine checkups or getting my script for birth control renewed, I would just go to a GP.

[v4wanndii]

I think being able to comfortably talk with our doctor is very important. Well, I’ve been in Australia for a year and a half. Last year, I went to my GP to discuss about my period and sexual health. I felt uncomfortable to discuss with him about my sex life, so I ended up hiding some info and later went to another GP. 

[Kit]

Good point @v4wanndii. I guess it’s not always comfortable for some to chat to their family GP once they start having sex, especially if they’re the one you’ve had since childhood or something! :#

@Aunt_Flo 25 – is that a bit late? Or am I remembering old advice? In any case, glad to hear you were comfortable getting everything checked. Self-controlled care ftw!

[Aunt_Flo]

@kit it is indeed! I think it was outdated advice so I didn’t want to stick with a GP who was following old advice and went to a gyno. 

I I believe the right age is 18 or so, or within two years of having sex but I could be wrong. @Nurse_Nettie can you confirm?

[Nurse_Nettie]

Thanks for tagging me @Aunt_Flo. You’re exactly right: the guidelines have been no paps till 18, then start having pap tests within two years of becoming sexually active.

BUT new evidence & better technology means the pap test is going to be replaced with an HPV cervical screening test in Australia from May 1st 2017 — very soon! With the new test, will also come new guidelines: first screening should be from age 25 & testing can be done every five years instead of every two. 

So what do you think? I’ve heard plenty saying: “Phew! I’m all for less testing!” But I know there’s some anxiety about the change too! Any questions here? 🙂

[mak_trouble891]

I have been going through some treatment lately as a result of a positive Pap test for pre cancer cells. It was a routine test that picked up the abnormality and a repeat test 6 months later that picked up the rapid change. Based on my experiences I feel as much as the tests are uncomfortable they are definitely important and can be life saving. I think 25 is too late, I’m only just 24 🙁 

[Nurse_Nettie]

Hi @mak_trouble891 thanks for sharing your experience. I really think that Pap testing can be a very unsettling experience for a lot of women. You mightn’t realise it but when a woman has an abnormal test it’s not actually pre cancer cells that are found. An abnormal test means that you have an infection with the HPV virus. Left to themselves,  most of these infections will actually resolve without any intervention. Treatment is done only to prevent  the small amount of these infections that do go on to develop into cancer. Check out the Cancer Council for more explanation about Pap Smears. 

[Kit]

Thanks for sharing with us @mak_trouble891. It’s great to hear about the experience and outcomes once on the other side of a test result like that. I’m glad you’re on top of it all.

[kindofsquishy]

I know that I personally am SUPER behind on my paps because I’m pretty anxious about the whole setup with it. @Nurse_Nettie  what does the new test involve as far as physical stuff goes?

[Nurse_Nettie]

Hi @kindofsquishy, the new HPV test is the same procedure as the pap test. A lot of woman feel anxious about the internal examination. It’s ok to say this to your doctor or nurse! They can support you through the procedure.  

[Nurse_Nettie]

@kindofsquishy…here’s an update on the new cervical screening program. There’s been a few delays as they’re moving the NSW program to a national program.
There will be a self-collected option for HPV testing however current data suggests this is 75% accurate. Collection will involve self- inserting a swab into the vagina. The method of testing by a doctor or nurse will be 98% accurate- as its collecting cells directly from the cervix. 

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