"women" Questions

I am as bad as you are most of the time, I smoke ,don't Exercise, the only thing I do right is eat healthy and that's because DH must so I do through default. But I do and have always gone for a yearly ob exam, for a pap. they will do a breast exam, I always recommend that all women get a mammo once in their 30's (for comparison later) then in your 40's go once a year.
You know the answer to this question Angel, so go.

Yeah, you do know the answer.
 
I had a hysterectomy many moons ago.  I STILL have the pap smear done every 2 years.  I can't seem to find two docs who agree on whether it's needed or not....the smear is to detect cervical cancer and since I don't HAVE a cervix why do I need one?  But, it can also detect abnormal cells in that area, so I get it done.  Hedging my bets.  PLUS, the pelvic is often the ONLY way to find ovarian cancers...or at least a good indicator that they need to order more tests.
 
I have fibroid cystic breasts.  Used to get lovely "lump attacks" every month.  My breasts literally would feel like rocks....or full of milk when a nursing mom is away from her infant for too many hours.  Stress was my trigger and once I got hurt and was no longer working, that stopped.  But, the cysts are still there and it makes it really tough for a doc to tell from a breast exam what is and isn't normal so I have the mamogram done EVERY year.  And I religiously do the montly self exam, cuz I know whats normal and what isn't in my own breasts.
 
Yeah, you're young, but my sons finance JUST went through a bout of cancerous cervical cells and she's only 28.  Get off the computer, pick up the phone and make yourself an appointment.  Pelvic exams are humiliating.  Death is permanate.

Here's a question that's probably really dumb, but, am I supposed to be doing this crap? I'd prefer that the answer be no, or at least that it can wait until 30 days after my 22nd birthday, when I will be dropped from my parents' insurance policy, and will have to seek coverage elsewhere (that'll be really fun, because getting it through a job won't be happening, as I will turn 22 on the first day of my student teaching semester). So, finding anything out at the moment would mean I had a pre-existing condition, and then I can just kiss any chances of getting insurance goodbye. And, there you have yet another reason why healthcare in America sucks.

I go to the OB/GYN once a year.  I get the usual female check up.  I have done this the last 13 years.  I even do moonthly exams on my breasts.  Its very important regardless of age and how you feel.  I would rather have them cacth something early then leave it to chance.   I found two cysts in my breasts about 5 years ago and had them removed.  I felt fine other then I had lumps...good thing I went to the DR. 

Yes, please go! It is very important!!!
 
I just turned 22 and they detected cancerous cells in my cervix last year. Fortunately soon enough and they were removed without a problem, now I have to get a check up every 6 months.

It will take about 5 minutes to set up an appointment and that's about how long it's going to take to get the actual pap done. It's going to be well worth the time spend []!!!

Yes, Jen you ARE supposed to be doing this stuff NOW.

I'm stretching the memory a bit, but I *think* federal law requires that you be allowed to be covered on your parents policy until you are 24 so long as you are a full time student.  And typically, if you have been INSURED with the existing condition, and I'm thinking within 90 days of seeking new coverage, the new insurance WILL cover it.  I could be wrong...has happened before......
 
They REMOVE cysts now?  I thought they just aspirated them.  Shoot I'd have NO breast tissue left if they removed all my cysts!

I don't know if it's still true, but in some areas, local health departments can do paps for a reduced price even if you don't have insurance.

Thanks all. I'm all set up for July 27th. What brought this on was we were sitting around the campfire and my mom said she gets one every year. Which really surprised me. I don't remember my mother ever going to the DR. Last year she sprained her ankle and never went in. She's 44 this year and I knwo she is not healthy. She is 5'2 and weighed about 140 last year. This year she is maybe 100 lbs.

I am glad you made an appt.  It is really important to go once a year.  I am young and have never had children but have been on BC so I have had to go every year since I was 15 I think.  (I originally went on BC b/c my cramps made me sick every month)  I had to have some precancerous cells removed from my cervix a few years ago.  If I weren't going once a year, I could be dead today.  They were very aggressive and had already gotten to stage 2 in a matter of months which was one stage away from cancer.  I actually switched insurance after my surgery but had to have two paps a year for two years to make sure nothing came back and it was always covered.  I also have to have the thin prep pap now b/c of it and a lot of times insurance doesn't cover that, but mine always has.  Some of that may depend on how good your insurance is and mine is really good.
 
Better safe than sorry.  I think Sharismom is right too, I believe you can go to Planned Parenthood for your annual pap at a discounted price and there are probably other places as well.  Check with your local health department and they can tell you. 

ORIGINAL: glenmar

Yes, Jen you ARE supposed to be doing this stuff NOW.

I'm stretching the memory a bit, but I *think* federal law requires that you be allowed to be covered on your parents policy until you are 24 so long as you are a full time student.  And typically, if you have been INSURED with the existing condition, and I'm thinking within 90 days of seeking new coverage, the new insurance WILL cover it.  I could be wrong...has happened before......

Glenda, I don't think that's how it works, because my sister just got dropped from our parents' coverage about a week ago. She turned 22 on May 18th. They continued covering her for 30 days after her birthday, and that's it. However, she also graduated on May 18th, so maybe that is why she got dropped, although I don't know how the insurance company would know she was going to graduate.
And while yes, I would be able to get private coverage, it will be ridiculously expensive if I have any pre-existing conditions.  I know so because this was another issue my sister faced. She has a history of kidney stones, and had surgery for some a few years ago. There was some complication from that, which required about another week in the hospital and another surgery late last year. So now, her monthly insurance dues are astronomical, and she doesn't really have much coverage. Luckily for her, she should be starting her new job pretty soon, and she'll be able to pick up that coverage. I won't be so lucky in that respect.
And, for the record, i'd have to get pretty d@mn desperate before going to a planned parenthood, as giving even a cent to such an organization would be quite a compromise of my morals.

It definitely needs to be taken care of. You are supposed to have a yearly pap and a breast exam once a year after the age 18.
 
Better safe then sorry.

 
I don't want to ruffle anybodies fur, nor do I want to offend anyone....However....Planned Parenthood is a helpful orginization...they give out free BC, low cost exams and blood tests...They may go against your morals, but isn't your health important to you?

Jen, I was covered on my parents insurance until 24 and I was only a half-time student.

Please everyone, get this done yearly. It's so simple to be proactive about your health, it's never so simple after the fact.

My mom died of ovarian cancer at 44 and my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41.  My aunt, on my father's side, died of breast cancer at 51.  So - I don't mess around and I recommend no one else should either.