Sorry to hear this. I'm 41 and have never had one for the same reason. Haven't had kids either. Would never be able to do that. Been trying to get therapy for the last 20 years. I live in Ontario though so no luck so far. Still trying.
I have had abnormal pap’s going back as far as 2011. I am now 51, and after years of dealing with it, and having colposcopy, a freezing procedure, a return of HPV, bad cells, a LEEP and D&C and it returning in nine months, this year I finally had a total hysterectomy. 😢. It’s been a long road and not a fun ride. Glad it’s behind me now to get hormones right. Ugh!! Thanks Docs for your informative videos.
Mindy, my history is identical to yours. I was diagnosed with CS3, dysplasia one year after a normal pap. I didn't think the colpop or the LEEP was painful. I chatted with my doc during, was comfortable on the Queen Chair, and eventually after the LEEP the scar tissue on the donut hole of my cervix prevented enough cells to get pap cells. I was offered a total hysterectomy about 2 years after my initial abnormal pap. It all sounds much scarier than it turned out to be. When put in into practice in the doctor's office, everything was quite smooth, completely tolerable, and I experienced no loss of dignity whatsoever. And here we are to tell our story and hopefully help someone who needs to get a pap. I wasn't HPV 16,18 or 31. It was another strain. But my lesions were definitely caused by the presence of HPV that was prob dormant a long time, until my DNA changed them to dysplasia.
I am 58, your story is very similar to mine the only difference is they will not let me have my cervix removed, so I'm not having those annuals anymore.
Don’t minimize how painful and uncomfortable these tests and follow up procedures can be for some people. “Just” a soft brush, “just” a small sample for biopsy. I just went through endometrial cancer, and the procedures these ob/gyns do without offering sedation is disgraceful. I did my treatments and had my surgery, but have never returned for follow ups because of their total disregard for pain. It takes an icy heart to inflict pain on an unsuspecting patient without being honest about pain and offering sedation. I have lost all respect for ob/gyns.
I've had two. I'm 41 years old. After my bloodwork showed no evidence whatsoever that I'd ever been exposed to HPV or any other STD and my son was born, I'm simply not doing it again. My cervix has never had any issues and I'm not active. My husband died and I haven't been touched by anybody since. Not a trauma thing just not worth it to me. My pelvis is shaped like a cereal box anyway so my vagina is freakishly tight and it would be painful. Doctors generally don't believe stuff like that until they ram you like a cannon and can't hide being surprised. The cost exceeds the benefit to me. Edited to add: Not sleeping around and using barrier protection when you selectively do definitely reduces the chances. I'm a "black" female from the south. And I've never been exposed. All IVF embyros go into the same space so if there's any evidence of anything other arrangements have to be made.
My Mom and Grandma were watching and listening this video right along with me. You mentioned when a woman should start having the test. But, they both wondered why you didn't mention at what age would you stop having this test or is there no stop age?
Here in BC, the last smear is done age 70. I'm 69 and just had my last regular one. They're every 2 yrs here unless you have abnormal results then depending on your Dr, in 3 to 6 months for next one. Hopefully never have any health issues to have one again. I did a happy dance at my last one. 😊
Would be great to have a segment on ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer, to include the use of transvaginal ultrasound (or other methods?) for screening. Would also be good to have some segments on endometriosis and fibroids.
This condition doesn't affect me so much, but I always watch your videos. You guys and guest docs are expert communicators so I'm always hoping that some of your intelligence will rub off on me. I've had only sons but now have only granddaughters, so I'm curious about womens' issues. Thanks for your dedication and good work.
At the age of 30 I was was diagnosed with ca. in situ from a class 111 pap. The OB/GYN I was referred to said he would schedule a hysterectomy for the following week!. Fortunately, I worked in the medical field and said " no thanks" and got another referral that resulted in a cone biopsy, with clear margins and I've had clear paps every year since (I'm now in my 70s) Always get a 2nd opinion 😀
@@annacbrown1986 When I expressed shock at his plan he said "well lass you won't have to worry about contraception" !! Hmm. At 30 An old school Scot. I practically RAN out of his office 😯
I’ve had a Pap smears regularly & as a woman who has cobwebs down there due to a lack of sexual activity it is *PAINFUL!* 😖 I scream like a little girl! I always ask them to use the one that they use for teenagers have not been sexually active. 🇨🇦
The first thing mentioned is motto importance. The Pap smear detects cell abnormalities in the CERVIX. Not the entire uterus. Just cervical cells. Lost too many friends and coworkers to uterine cancer who thought an annual Pap mean meant a clean bill for uterine health. The cervix is a small part of the uterus. It’s uterine cancer that is the deadly one. Most of my friends didn’t know until too late. Stage IV.
AGREE!!! Just like the Mammo- never 100%! Lost two sisters, one to breast cancer, the other to ovarian cancer! I REFUSE these ridiculous tests, which only make the medical community RICHER!!!!
@@juliegill9322 I originally went to the doctor because of gastrointestinal problems but I was passing a lot of mucous as well. I was referred to a gastrointrologist who found colitis but no reason for the mucous. She treated me for the colitis and sent me back to my doctor. By the time that I saw my doctor again I was starting to spot blood in addition to large amounts of mucus. My doctor said, "its got to be comming from some where and theirs only so many things down there." Then she referred me to a gynecologist. The gynecologist found that I had a pelvic mass and sent me to get an MRI. The MRI showed extensive adenomyosis on the left side of my uterus and a large fibroid also on the left side. All of which had caused the uterus to fall into the colon hence the gastrointestinal symptoms. Anyway because of my symptoms and the adenomyosis which increases your risk for uterine cancer the gynecologist did a urine test for C125 which is a cancer marker. Mine was elevated which while it didn't prove cancer strongly suggested it. That lead to a uterine biopsy which was positive for cancer. Hopefully, this helps you. If you are worried about having cancer speak to your doctor. They can do blood and/or urine tests to look for cancer markers. While this is not perfect it can indicate if there is cause for concern. Also, speak to your doctor about any symptoms that concern you whether you suspect cancer or not.
My best friend of 39 years didn’t get a pap for 17 years. She died of cervical cancer at 47. It was stage 2b when diagnosed. It spread like a brushfire. The hospital in Texas said hers was the worst they had ever seen.
Great topic! In the US it’s 3 years for paps & 5 for hpv I don’t think it’s changed….I used to dread the dreaded annual yearly exam back in the day😶🌫️
About 40 years ago I was helping my best friend with her slightly chaotic paperwork and came across a letter from her doctor inviting her in for a smear, as it was known in the UK at the time. She told me that she didn't believe in things like that, that when her time came she'd want to go without someone whipping out bits of her. I told her I did believe in the test and asked her to reconsider. Within five years she'd died of cervical cancer. There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever in my mind that her choice not to get the test ended her life earlier than it should have ended. I still think about her, miss her, and have encouraged all of my friends to get these tests whenever they're invited to do so ever since. Please, please, please - get the test. RIP Marion.
Respect the fact that your friend wanted to go whenever it was her time. It was her life and her decision. Everyone doesn’t live to be 100 and who would want to on this crummy earth filled with f$&cked up humans. She’s probably having a ball where she is.
Another great video Docs!!!! My dr told me since I had a hysterectomy and I’m 63 that I don’t need to have Pap smears anymore. I haven’t had one in about 6 years. I remember the days when you guys started this channel. And you guys mostly did topics on orthopedic surgery. You guys are awesome and I love how many subscribers you guys have now!!!!
I agree with you. I'm 70 had a total hysterectomy at 30 due to endometriosis. I simply got fed up with the routine that annually it wasn't just one visit annually. They would call me back for a biopsy then back again for the results which were negative. I know the risk.s I am taking and with the way the world's heading rapidly, I no longer care about my longevity. I have chronic pain issues and have a gutful of Govt dictating too my Dr what they don't want prescribed for me. They virtually no longer care about if we are in pain. I was total of a new technique that was non invasive. When I looked it up, it's not just invasive once but twice initially and goodness knows what happens long term. Also having bi-lateral total knee replacements, I object to a solid mass being introduced into my body that could cause infection. We no longer have an intimate relationship with our Dr, it's now with the Govt. That is no longer intimate.
Just a 'smear' here. Never heard the term, 'Pap Smear'. The most embarrassing and painful procedure I have ever had. Had to say to the nurse once that I couldn't take much more. Had one with a nurse who did NOT want to do it. It's mortifying enough as it is, so after that, I thought, "sod it, I'll take my chances" and didn't have one for years and years. Eventually did, with a great nurse, but she couldn't do it, though she kept going down in size with the 'weapon' / implement. (Was going to offer to bring a stirrer from the canteen 😊). Apparently I'm a bit 'small ' down there and she said I should have a hospital appointment. Fast forward to the hospital, with two nurses down the business end and another one to give gas and air (useless, by the way - felt like I had too many wines, but still as painful) and a rubber ball to squeeze! I had hoped I would be put out. Takes under a minute? No - they keep going until they have what they need obviously. It proved a bit difficult for them as my hips kept rising due to the pain. I am obviously grateful but it just seems archaic when medicine makes such huge leaps (finding an antidote to an unknown virus within a year, for instance) and yet this seems like medieval torture. Would add I am not too wimpy and have been told I have a high pain threshold, but would I be happy to have another smear? Yeah - they'd just have to try and catch me first.....and I can sprint.
Back in the 70s I got PAP yearly from 17 till I had a total hysterectomy and got all parts inc ovaries and tubes and appendix removed and have not been back to gyn since I was 39.
I am not looking to be sick so I don't need to test . Also No Mammograms for I. Happy healthy human living my best life, away from the cancer spin doctors. Each to their own.
Wow, I'm the second one here. My comment is that since my hysterectomy I don't have a cervix so no more pap smears. I heard that some women feel like they are missing part of themselves after hysterectomy. I wondered if I'd feel that way, but not at all. Can't even tell the difference. In fact, good riddance. I wonder if women with any family history of reproductive cancers should get a hysterectomy after childbearing years. Might save lives. I wonder what the pros and cons of that are. No doctor ever talked to me about that even though I have a family history of ovarian cancer and I wound up with an early ovarian cancer caught only because I was having other problems that caused the hysterectomy- incidental finding. If I would have known the options, I might have gotten the surgery sooner. Thank you for another very informative video. I am glad that I don't have to have the pap test anymore because I found it very, very uncomfortable.
I was so glad to get total hyst at 39 and my doc made sure to tell me the benefits of remove ovaries and tubes and also appendix while he was in the neighborhood and I agreed.I never had to worry about cancer down there ever and no more pap since. I never felt less than a woman.
Thank you for saying all that about HPV - some docs are making that sound like a pandemic that must be treated / prophalactically treated like polio or something. Your info was much more measured.
I was 17 when I had my 1st one… at a health clinic. The dr was a young man. When I laid back, there was a poster of a kitten hanging on a branch with the quote “Hang in there”. He then asked me why I shaved…. Omg😮. I was humiliated!!! That was 52 years ago😊
I have a pap test every year because a few years ago a few abnormal cells were detected due to HPV infection but then it disappeared and all has been normal. But I am still on surveylance mode. Five years after menopause I noticed a little spotting. A gynecologist performed a biopsy of my uterus and I had an abdominal ultrasound. It turned out to be fibroids. If you have any postmenopausal spotting, no matter how little, I recommend that you talk to your family doctor as soon as possible to arrange for a biopsy. I was lucky but in some cases it can be a symptom of endometrial cancer and it’s best if caught early. Prevention is the key!
35+ years ago doctors started scaring me with "we found abnormal cells, we need to do tests". I never went back. Turns out I'm healthy but the tests weren't.
Another great video Docs! I love your guests, they are so good at explaining everything! You two have come a long way since you started these videos 7 years ago! I'm so glad you started having guest speakers, bringing more knowledge of their specialties! I discovered you before you changed your intro, skateboards reflecting knee or hip replacement?🛹 But the expansion of your topics increased your popularity! Thanks for sharing another great video!👍
I never minded Pap smears, I never felt any discomfort. The thing I talked with my doctor about was the amount of time in between. I am never really comfortable with 2-3 years as I wonder about something developing shortly after and if it has those 2-3 years to progress, there could be that much progress in disease. Your thoughts on this would be appreciated. Love your channel, thanks for all the great info you and your guests bring.
Hi Marly. The reason for the interval is that these are slow growing so if you have a negative test 2-3 years is fine. If you have any atypical cells the interval is reduced
Wow, I would be happy with discomfort! I would be happy with more years inbetween! The final week, I am counting the days down, and on the day, I am depressed.
@@ClareHarrison-qi3bw Hi Clare, I am sorry to hear this is your experience. I had the same dr for over 30 years and he retired a year ago. I hope my new physician is as skilled at his trade!
I wonder how endless generations of women survived without all those tests ? Our great,great , great grandmothers who guided they own pregnancies and managed to deliver 15,17 kids alone ? Why women are now unable to deliver they babies without epidural and medical teams ? Why all this tests that make girls and women very stressed while placing them in state of constant fear and expectation to hear “ bad news “? Life is not supposed to be terrible experience of constant checkups and fear ! Why modern medicine carve deep fears inside people ? I understand that tests are nice way to make money and create new patients . Instead , doctors should fight for 100% paid maternity live for every women , so that life giving person can heal after delivering a child .
@@TalkingWithDocs I would not say this , my grandmothers and great grandmothers passed away in very old age ( after 85 ) . In fact life for those ladies was much easier , with lass stress than present time working women Life was more peaceful, people where not focused on material things .Less competition and less stress . I would for sure experience horror during delivering of my own kids ,but thank to grandmothers ,aunts and my own mother who prepared me ,I managed to have quick and easy deliveries without drama , screaming, crying act and without epidural . And thank to my husband and my society ,I had long time to completely recover ( obligate 6 weeks after delivering of a child ) including one 100%pad maternity live . Do something good for women, if society really wish to have healthy women stop sending women to work 4 days after delivering of a child .! It is normal for women who did not have time to properly heal after delivering of a child to develop many gynecological health problems ,mental problems , post partum depression act .
Covid has affected us for sure. Had my every 3 year pap’s test in February and won’t get the results until September/ October. Love Dr. Andrighett btw.!
Curious what happens to the cervix after years of pap smears? Does it have a bunch of holes/areas/scars or does the tissue grow back? I'm 70 so have had yearly paps for abt 50 yrs. Thank you. Thanks for making your videos without shame or blame.
When I had just turned 18 I had a resident doctor really push me to get a pap smear because she couldn't believe that I wasn't sexually active. I spoke to my actual doctor at the time and she agreed I didn't need one at the time. I am well into my 30s, asexual, still not sexually active in anyway, don't even use tampons and my doctor still agrees, I don't need to go a smear, but if I am ever active he would strongly recommend one then. This kind of makes me feel better as I get government letters every year saying I need one. But that is the general expectation I guess, but not everyone is the same.
It took three colposcopies for thr Dr to get the abnormal cells picked up in my smear. I recommend tsking paracetamol beforehand. I was about 35 so don't be afraid, get it done.
I am 63 never have that in my life and never will, if god wants me to go from that than it’s fine, we have to go from something anyway , no mammogram no colon checks , nothing what so ever
Ive not been asked by my family dr to come for one for 5 years. Now back in my 30s i had dysplasia and was treated by burning. Then was told to nevr go longer than 2yrs without testing. Now my dr knows nothing of my history because he never took a history. Women over 55 are invisible. So this tells me i dont heed pap smears since they are passe.
I am hugely skeptical of any health services being cut in Canada. This sparks wanting to investigate this start at "25 years" (7 or 8 years after many become sexually active) as a financial decision. Thank-you.
We believe the push is for the vaccine to be implemented earlier and subsequent paps because it does take time for this slow growing cancer to be detectable
Greetings Dr Zal Zal and Dr Weening. Many thanks for putting together this very informative video. You both are very good at putting information together. Have a great weekend.😊
My daughter and my granddaughter has HPV. My granddaughter had the HPV vaccination and they are a joke bc they do not work if they did she would not have HPV now. She has to have a colposcopy soon. She is 24 and just had her first baby and has pcos as well. My daughter has to keep up with her paps. I have paps every year even though they say every 3 yrs for me i dont want it to go for 3 yrs. Im about to have a hysterectomy in august and wont need a pap any longer but will still be checked by my gyn for vaginal. cancer bc that can happen as well. I had the HPV test done twice and was negative both times. So I do not have HPV. I have always had normal paps! great video! Thanks! Sending to my daughter and granddaughter! 💕💕
Reminds me of when I went to the snake pit at the Indy 500 in the 70s. (The snake pit was very wild back then.) Some guys had set up an exam table set up on a small stage and they had giant Q-tips and above had a professionally made sign that read, "Free PAP Smears". I don't think they were doing it to provide free health screenings. 🤔
I have recently discovered your channel and find it very informative. Thank you for that! I was kind of hoping you would address the HPV vaccines. All children in the Netherlands get an invitation from our public health authority at age ten to get the vaccine……..it is free of charge.
I used to have my cervical smears no problem but then I went through a spell where they hurt & I always bled. The nurse would become a bit huffy like I was to blame & said it was because I had a long high uterus, I've not had children. This really upset me. It's not like I was deliberately bleeding or picked to have a long uterus! Let's face it's not the most dignified way of having a test done!! When my GP reminders came through I would throw them away as I couldn't face the thought of being humiliated again. A couple of years ago I had a hospital letter prompting me to have my smear as it was well overdue. By chance I saw the practice nurse at my GP, a different one to before. She was concerned about that I hadn't been for my smears & I explained why. She advised having a high long uterus is not a problem & there is a different speculum, long & thin, which can be used instead, & make sure I ask for that whenever I have a smear as it'd be far more comfortable. She convinced me to book in for a smear test with her. Yes I was nervous beforehand. But the nurse put me straight at ease, chatting throughout & used the long thin speculum. Yes it was still a little uncomfortable but within minutes she said 'all done'. And I didn't bleed!! What a difference! At 57 I've probably only got one more smear to go as in the UK they usually stop being offered after 60, though they are still available if the individual wants to continue to have them. I spoke to a friend about my smear experiences & she had the same issue with a long high uterus. She also has not had children. So is this something normal in a woman who has not had children? My only concern now is that having 2 new knees being able to put my feet together & splay my knees apart being This is a movement that shouldn't be done after having new knees as generally as a rule they should be kept straight. Thanks for a further excellent video! I don't know if you're aware but Ann Summers are doing a big campaign on smears at the moment xx
Got one last fall and got a terrible itch right after that lasted for weeks. I had to use anti itch creams and they hardly helped. I don't want to go again.
So, I'm 66 years old and I was diagnosed with HPV a long time ago. I've gotten pap smears every year most of my adult life. I haven't been to the GYN for about 3 or 4 years currently. My primary doctor suggested I get a check up with the GYN so I scheduled an appointment. The girl at the appointment desk asked if I also wanted a pap smear. I said "yes that would be a good thing to do. So now I'm confused. Should I get a pap smear or not? I'm not having any issues. Should I get an HPV test when I already know the virus is in my system? Seems redundant to me. Should I still be getting an GYN check up at my age and if yes, should I be going every year, every 3 years or something else. If I don't hear from you, I'll definitely be having this discussion with my GYN.
If you have Lichen Sclerosis, Issues is that not worth investigating as well. That is what I found out last year and I believe lots of people should be tested if they have that next to HPV testing . Especially women! What do you think about that? Cancer of the vulva is not a happy thing either and it happens if people don’t know about how to treat LS
Thank you for approaching this subject. But I was wondering if you could revisit this topic, (with specific emphasis on how to treat women with physical/developmental disabilities.), who may or may not be sexually active? More specifically, when is it appropriate to do the test on Women of childbearing age? And if not sexually active, and having a disability, like Sarabel palsy, spastic quadriplegia, is this test absolutely necessary? If you have someone in my situation, mentioned above when it might be appropriate to use different size speculums. I am of childbearing age, but still intact and need to use the smallest speculum possible in order to accommodate both the introductory device and two circumvent, my spasticity and or tightness in my lower limbs
When i was 65 I had a smear test that came back saying inadequate smear or words to that effect. I was retested by a different clinician and it came back negative. I have never had hpv test do i need one as married three times and one and two committed adultery 😮 so should i go for it at 70
I am not a doctor, but I know quite a bit about this. I think you should. One of my neighbors died of cervical cancer when she was a little younger than you. I am positive that she and her husband were monogamous.
I can't get a Pap smear as my vaginal wall has atrophied to the point where I can't get the instrument to open it in there. Don't know what to do to get a exam.
Pahpshmir is the main antagonist of The Naked Gun trilogy. He served as the overarching antagonist of The Naked Gun: From The Files of Police Squad! and Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.
@@TalkingWithDocs THANKS 🙏 GOD WILL BLESS YOU BECAUSE I AM SLEEP DEPRIVED FOR YEARS AND I DO NOT SEEM TO FIND A CURE AND I DON’T WANT TO DO BOTOX INJECTIONS. Thanks 🙏
If you’ve had a full hysterectomy, cervix included, is it needed? I was asked in the ER after a car accident if I wanted one done. I declined. There’s nothing there! 🤷🏽♀️
I heard recently that older women have been coming down with cervical cancers and now they recommend post menopausal woman have them. I'm 68 and haven't had one in propably 5 years. I'm thinking I should get one. I had an abnormal one once when I was young but not in many years.
thanks for another great video - a little off topic - but I would love to see you guys do a "what i eat in a day video" since you are always talking about the importance of a healthy weight - would love to see what you guys eat in a typical day (including chicken wings if necessary) Is Dr. W. still vegan - does he feel he has any deficiencies because of that? and how hard is that diet to stick to? Thanks!!!!!!!
If you were DES exposed, like I was (My mother took it when she was pregnant with me.), does that effect how often and for how long you should have a PAP test?
Because of my trauma of being raped at 19 by someone at my old church, I have to have Xanax every 5 years, including this one in order to be able to have my pap smear.
We are so sorry to hear this. PTSD is very common after horrific events like you have been through. If you haven't already worth talking to a therapist. All the best to you
