my mom died of Cervical Cancer when I was 10 (january 4, 1999) , I don't know how she got it or whatever, the only evidence I can tell you is that during the period she was still alive, she was having symptoms, like for example, she was taking a long period of "mestrual cycle" for like a month and finally got a check up and discover she had cancer, and it was too late to get better. I just recently discover about Pap smears, and yes I have had sex but none of my partners have any disease because I was open about things before I do it, I'm not stupid. I was wondering how much does it cost to do pap smears in your county health department? I'm sorry but after my mom died no one ever told me about the things I should know when I grew up as becoming a woman. I have no role model. so please tell me what I should do. My father doesn't wanto talk about these things cuz he's a guy and he is being jerk and unfair to me. I'm living my life with fear. please help.
2007-04-15 06:03:12 · 7 answers · asked by ^__^ 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I never ever go on and have sex without a condom, I don't even do oral for the sake of it.
2007-04-15 06:09:32 · update #1
There are 2 things you can do to avoid cervical cancer. First is to have annual pelvic exams with pap smears starting 3 years after your first intercourse or 18, whichever is younger. Pap smears can detect cervical changes decades before you have symptoms. Your partners would not know if they were carriers for the virus that causes cervical cancer (Human Papiloma Virus--HPV) because it does not cause symptoms in most men. Pelvic exams with pap smears cost about $120 at a physician's office, but many family doctors discount them based on your income. If you are covered by insurance through your father, you would only have to pay the copay (around $20) which is usually waved once a year for screening exams like this. Most health departments and Planned Parenthood's do them for around $20-$40 and may be able to discount them further.
The second thing you can do is to be vaccinated with Gardasil, which prevents the high risk types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. It is also expensive, but is covered by most insurances and may be available at the Health Department.
Finally, any family doctor or gynecologist would be happy to sit down with you to discuss your risk factors and answer any questions that your father is uncomfortable with. You may even be able to talk to one of their nurses for free over the phone if you call their office and ask to speak to a nurse about pap smears.
Todd, MD
2007-04-15 06:21:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus, HPV. It is not a "typical" sexually transmitted disease in that a huge percentage of people have it. (I think it is like 30% of college women).
Good news. There is a vaccine now available for HPV. Go immediately to get your vaccine, and you can also ask to be tested for HPV.
Risk factors for HPV and cervical cancer: smoking, early age at first sexual experience, more than one sexual partner. Condoms don't protect from HPV.
Get your pap smear at your doctor or at your community health center. If you don't have money, ask to see the social worker and get set up for medicaid or possibly a sliding scale fee that bases cost on your income. If you are still under 18, you probably qualify for some free care anyway in many states. Make the calls and take control.
Sorry about your mom. I'm sure that is very painful for you.
2007-04-15 06:21:40 · answer #2 · answered by greengo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I would find an adult that you trust, maybe a school nurse? If that's not an option, look up your county's health department and see if you can speak to a women's health nurse. Let them know about your fear or concerns and he/she should be able to tell you where you can get access to confidential, free health screenings.
As far as finding a role model, are there any teachers that you really respect? Being a teacher, sometimes we don't get to know our students very well and have no idea of what is going on in their lives. I would be flattered if a student admitted that she looked up to me and wanted my advice.
I wish you the best... Keep in touch!
2007-04-15 06:13:05 · answer #3 · answered by santan_cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about county health depts, but I know you can get low cost gynecological exams (including pap smears) at Planned Parenthood. Also, birth control, since you said you're sexually active. PP is a great resource...you should use it.
2007-04-15 06:09:25 · answer #4 · answered by Lee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi you're story is similar to mine. My mum died when I was 10 and we never found out what cancer it was. My mum only found out she had cancer 5 wks before she died, and she had symptoms of IBS and Crohn's for 2-3 yrs, even diagnosed with pre-eclampsia while she was pregnant. If you ever need to talk to anyone, i'm always just an email away.. x
2007-04-15 06:32:14 · answer #5 · answered by ♥H] ッ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get your regular pap test and get tested for hpv. when having sex don't believe any story from your partner, just make sure he wears a condom.
2007-04-15 06:07:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a heath department. It is usually donation or free. and just keep up on you check up.
2007-04-15 08:46:53 · answer #7 · answered by turtle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋