There are very few things that make me envy men. Among these are simplistic hair regimens, honest prices on car repair and the veneration of beer bellies. At the top of my, and probably every girl’s, list, though, is the fact that men do not make annual visits to the gynecologist. For many women, the dread of stirrups may cause GYN visits to become few and far between. Once you take the mystery out of the whole process, however, it’s not so bad. Still no walk in the park, but if you come armed with information, you may find you get more out of your visit.
The first question many ask is, ‘Why do you have to go every year?’ Chances are, you’re healthy and will continue to stay that way for a long time, so a gynecological visit probably seems like a huge inconvenience. The key here, though, is early detection. Most cervical cancer, if found early enough, can be treated successfully. Also, talking to your GYN can help you sort through issues related to sex, school and your health in general.
Usually, your doctor will start by asking you questions about your overall health, any issues that may concern you and your sexual history and current activity. This is totally routine, not a judgmental attack or personal interrogation. While these questions can seem uncomfortable at times, you’re not going to shock anyone by saying you are sexually active, and, more than likely, your gynecologist has heard a lot more disgusting or sensational stories than whatever you are worried about. So, you might as well be honest and ask that nagging question.
The exam itself can feel humiliating — but again, there are few things doctors haven’t seen before, and most GYNs are practiced in the art of patient comfort. Your doctor will likely look before touching, which is to make sure you don’t have any suspicious moles or other lesions on your skin. These can be easily missed by the untrained eye, and most people don’t spend much time inspecting this part of their body — or at least, I hope not.
Next on the list is the speculum exam, which is a lovely metal instrument used to get a better view of the vagina and cervix — basically the end of your uterus. During the exam, you may feel pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. If it is, speak up. With the speculum in place, your GYN will use a Q-tip or narrow plastic spatula to scrape cells off of your cervix. This is the infamous Pap smear, named after George Papanicolaou, a Greek pioneer in the field of early cancer detection. These cells go into a liquid-filled jar and will be sent to a pathologist, who will transfer them to a slide and examine them. The cells of the cervix are particularly prone to undergoing cancerous changes, and the Pap smear is today’s gold standard for screening women. Women should get Pap smears beginning three years after they become sexually active or once they turn 21, whichever comes first. After the slide is read, you may get a clean bill of health, or if there are abnormalities, you may need to follow up with a second procedure, such as a colposcopy. During this procedure, the doctor will examine your cervix using a microscope and possibly take another sample of any suspicious areas.
At the end of your exam, your doctor will feel your belly and pelvis for any abnormal lumps or bumps and then ... finally ... you’re all done.
Cervical cancer used to be a significant cause of death among women, but thanks to the development of the Pap smear and regular screening, it is now a very treatable condition. Prevention can come in the form of limiting your exposure to HPV, the causative virus, whether through abstinence or safe sex practices. Smoking is associated with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer as well, so now is definitely the time to quit. Lastly, Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, is available at Student Health — and free if you have Aetna!.
Once you leave home, you are your own boss. No one will ground you for missing your annual exam or yell at you for being too sheepish to ask for STD screening. Your annual exam may be uncomfortable, but on the bright side, it sure beats facial stubble and jock itch.
Emily Graham is a University Medical student. She can be reached at e.graham@cavalierdaily.com.
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