About Well Woman Check-Ups and Pap Smears

Ladies, we are short-changing ourselves. We deserve better. Our children deserve better, and so do our loved ones. I know it is not a pleasant subject, the idea of stirrups and all, but it something that must be discussed and I promised myself that I would spread the word about Pap Smears as a part of your yearly Well Woman Check-Up.

What is a PAP SMEAR?
A pap smear is a test that checks the cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus, for changes which could lead to cancer.

Why is a Pap Smear so IMPORTANT?
Some women who have cervical cancer may not have any symptoms, and regular pap smears can detect changes in the cervix and enable prevention and early treatment.

How often should I get a Pap Smear?
For most women, yearly is fine, but talk to your doctor about your individual situation.

Are these tests expensive?
Yearly pap smears are covered by most insurance carriers 100% or for the cost of your co-pay, but there are other options such as your county health clinic and your local Planned Parenthood offers routine women's health screenings and related services at an income-sensitive rate or sometimes even free for uninsured women.

Need a women's health and anatomy tutorial?
You know, it's been a long time since high school health and all the technical jargon sometimes makes things more complicated. See the link attached for a quick tutorial and a means to arm yourself with information, http://www.plannedparenthood.org/sexual-health/women-health/gyn-exams.htm