Has anyone ever gone 5+ years w/o a pap smear and was serverly damaged from avoiding it? I work in health care, but far away from Gyn problem patients. I think my sister has a gyn problem... (She's a stuborn one and wont check up regularly) Thanks for any advice.
2006-12-03 13:26:03 · 3 answers · asked by roxylee11782 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
pap smears only investigate certain gyn problems, but regardless, she should have a pap and also a full gyn exam. there are definitely things that shouldn't go too long, consequences can potentially get to the life-threatening point if not taken care of, depending on what it is.
2006-12-03 14:11:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the fact of the matter is that the purposes of a pap are to check for abnormalties of the cervix and uterus as well as infections in the vagina. The fact that it is also a preventative tool, I would say that I am sure some women who have avoided papsmears for a great amount of time have aquired problems. It is very important for a sexually active woman as well as a woman with a family history of GYN problems to have atleast annual paps to avoid severe problems or to treat problems that are present.
2006-12-03 21:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by Chynah D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like Chyna said...paps check for abnormalities on the cervix.
Has your sister heard about HPV. It is so common, the CDC estimates that 80% of women will deal with HPV at some point in their lives. Also, that over 50% of women have it now!! HPV causes cervical cancer, but if you have it and you go get paps, you can keep it under control until it goes away on its own.
She needs to get paps...like now!
2006-12-03 22:02:11 · answer #3 · answered by stephasoris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋