This week is National Cervical Cancer Awareness week in Australia so ladies, today’s post is just for you.
So … pap smears. You know what? I used to think that pap smears are the yuckiest and most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever had to subject my body to (surgeries don’t really count, since all of the ones I’ve had had me knocked out good) until I had a mammogram. Yeah, try having a mammogram when you’re young and still have quite *ahem* bouncy boobs. You’ll be wishing you had 10 pap smears instead!
When was the last time you had a pap smear?
I know it’s a mighty uncomfortable thing to do. I’ve had a lot done with this trying-to-make-a-baby business and while I wouldn’t say I’m completely used to it, I don’t dread it as much any more. Like I said, it sure as hell isn’t as painful as a mammogram so I’ll take pap smears any time.
In Australia, pap smears are done once every 2 years. Mum told me that in Malaysia, it’s done once a year. Either way, we really should get it done especially if we’re sexually active.
Around 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented with regular pap tests. Even if you’ve had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, regular cervical screening is still essential to prevent cervical cancer. I missed out on getting the vaccine and after I had my first pap test, I keep getting reminders from my GP that it’s time for my next one that I can’t help but get it done and over with just so they would stop bugging me (trust me, it’s a very good thing). I’ve had mine done by male and female doctors; all of them were good.
It’s like going to the dentist. Except it’s like, down there. Very true!
One of the GPs I went to for a pap smear taught me a great way to minimise the discomfort during the test. When you’re lying down, make both hands into fists and sit your bum on your balled-up fists. Your hips will be tilted upwards for the test. I do this for every pap test I’ve been to and it’s so much better and less uncomfortable.
Make your appointment NOW. Remind your female family members and friends to get their pap smears done too. It’s less than 5 minutes of slight discomfort for a whole lot of peace of mind.
You may end up saving lives. Including your own.
For more information, please visit the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation and if you’re located in Victoria like I am, PapScreen Victoria on where you can get pap tests.
I just turned 30 and have already had 3 friends who have had preventative procedures to have cancer cells removed after a Pap smear. It’s SO important to get this checked out, and well with the awkwardness and discomfort for half an hour or so. Thanks for talking about this. Great idea to spread the word!
Jessica recently posted..November Fitness Chat
Oh my goodness, that’s a lot! Thank goodness for the pap test! Personally, I find that the awkwardness is only a max of 5 mins (1 min to remove the bottom + 4 mins to get on the bed and get it done and over with). I think a lot of women feel that it’s really personal to have someone they don’t know to see them “down there”, especially if it’s a male doctor and also the anticipation of pain. Is it uncomfortable? Yes it is. Does it hurt? NAH.
And really, compared to a mammogram, I’d still rather have 10 pap smears. 😛
Not too long ago 😛 Believe it or not, I get “nagged” by these notices as well. Good and bad I suppose 😛
See it as a good thing. I’m glad I went to your GP who taught me the trick on making it less uncomfortable.
Living in Australia now, but originally from the states. Recommendations in the US is to have a pap smear every year along with a mammogram. I have to say I was shocked in was every two years here. Just had my done and will continue to do so on a yearly basis.
I like your blog. I literally just started my blog a week ago. I enjoyed reading your post on frustrations of blogging. Even just after a week, I’m already have a dreaded feeling. I’m really just doing it for fun, but you definitely can get caught up in the stats. Keep up the good work. Positive thoughts.
I think my mum was shocked that it’s once every 2 years here too when in Malaysia it’s once a year. Personally, I think it’s better to get it done on a yearly basis too.
Aww thank you Anne, appreciate your kind words. 🙂 I know that as a very new blogger, you’ll have a lot of things you’re going to want to blog about but I’d suggest that you write ALL of these ideas down. Heck, write them like a blog post in a Word document or something. But don’t publish all of them at once. Unless you intend to blog every day, you’re going find yourself burned out before long and running out of things to write about. Stretch all of those ideas and drafts to perhaps 2-3 posts a week. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of things to write about!
I don’t think mammograms are so bad! I just had to give my sister a pep talk about it – it’s uncomfortable, sure, but the discomfort passes quickly. Everyone get one!!
Wendy@BlushandBarbells recently posted..Can You Get a Toned Tummy at Home?
I definitely need to get ’em done because I had a large growth in my breast which I removed a few years ago. For me, it wasn’t uncomfortable, it was really painful! I usually have quite an okay threshold to pain but that mammogram I had had me crying by the time it was done. I still recommend women to have it done, of course!
TMI !!! Just kidding .. I’m so bad at these appointments. I went through a bunch if infertility test and this really turned me off on getting my yearly exams. I go once every 2 to 3 .. to 5? Years.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted..How to dress for cold mornings and warm afternoons
Aww this is one TMI we have to talk about, sorry 😛
GASP! No!! That’s a long time between tests. I really recommend you getting it done as soon as you can. I’m going through the infertility tests now too and it’s #&^#$%&^#%$ but I’d still recommend getting it done. 🙂
I have appointment next week! I make sure I’m on time for these things.
Do you know this blogger: http://www.expatmakeupaddict.com/ ? She lives in Dubaï and has just gone through treatment for cervical cancer. She’s quite open on her blog and Instagram. It’s a must read!
Carole recently posted..La Photo du Mois – Novembre 2015
Oooh thanks for the recommendation Carole. I’ll check it out right now.
I get one per year. We also get those notices in Canada, nice to know the gov’t is concerned with my reproductive health…?
B/c of family history I have been getting mammograms since I turned 30 once per years also and those machines are getting much better than they used to be when I first started those 10 years ago.
Regardless, these things must be done.
Highly agree with you Jen. As uncomfortable as they are, must be done. Thankfully, don’t have to endure each process for long. 🙂