Gyn Emojis & Text

Say if it’s your first time doing a certain procedure and mention your concerns. Acknowledge you understand people don’t necessarily enjoy it for fun. Knowing can make you less anxious. 😷 It’s definitely worth asking something like ‘I do find this procedure extremely painful, could you try with a X?’ The procedure is easier for them to perform if you’re not squirming around in pain so there’s no reason for them not to at least try.

🍑 What are the different types of cervical biopsies? Three different methodsTrusted Source are used to remove tissue from your cervix: Colposcopic (punch) biopsy. In this method, small pieces of tissue are taken with an instrument called “biopsy forceps.” Your might be stained with a dye to make it easier for your doctor to see any abnormalities. Cone biopsy. This surgery uses a scalpel or laser to remove large, cone-shaped pieces of tissue from. You’ll be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep. Endocervical curettage (ECC). During this procedure, cells are removed from the endocervical canal. This is done with a hand-held instrument called a “curette.” It has a tip shaped like a small scoop or hook. 🍑

Concerns to ask the doc if needed 😷 Although benefits can outweigh much, it’s still a worry. Even if it temporarily lasts a second, a person's pain should be taken into account. I’m not saying you should go under deep sedation just to get teeth cleaned, especially if you don’t need it. If you are having trouble tolerating certain exams, tell them to keep it in mind so the procedure can be easier on both of you. If you experience intense pain and find it hard to tolerate, request for ways to make it easier. Thank you for taking the time to care for me (be sure to show gratitude before, during and/or after) Can you explain the procedure to me? How long will it take? Can we count up or down to the number? Can you explain what you're doing as you begin to do it? Because it’s been hard in the past when X, so can we look at some techniques? Can I drink water before or during the procedure? Do you have a heat pack or ice pack nearby? I want to get it over with and I’d like it to be easy for both of us. If you have a distraction tool (like telling jokes) to use I’d still like to let you know about X knowing my concerns will still be taken into account. Can we talk beforehand and walk me through the procedure as it will happen, step by step? Do you have any non invasive ways to check for X? Can you do it another way instead? Do you have any smaller and/or softer instruments to get the job done? Can you apply something (like warmth, gel, etc.) to the instrument beforehand? Is there a way to get around it? Can I say if I wanted to stop (said procedure) during any time? Can I make informed decisions to decline X? When it comes to certain exams, I’ve sensory issues, trauma, etc. Do you know any breathing exercises or any methods to accommodate my specific needs? It’s not anything personal, it’s not distrust, but I want it to go easy for both of us. 😷

Tips 😷 Depending on the procedure, meet the one treating you to see if they are a good fit for you. If they seem nice and willing, find something where you can both agree to make it better for the both of you. If you can notify them ahead of time, mention your needs. “I have autism which might contribute to my discomfort. What can I bring to the clinic? Can I leave my pants on, or can I wear a skirt instead of having to undress? Can you prepare smaller medical tools? Do you have sedatives? Are numbing agents readily available? Do you have a room with an adjustable seat? What’s the best treatment for me? Are there other options to make it easier to get care?” Look up pictures of the place, visit it, read any rule policies and see if they can accommodate to getting special permission for certain aspects. Get a personalized treatment plan. Use telemedicine, an appointment over video, phone call or text chat, when available and appropriate. Ask about at home tests you can send. Tell your doctor about your worries. They might be able to help you address them.

😷 If it’s a same day appointment without any preparation beforehand, still let them know any needs. Even if it’s not worth it to spend nearly an hour on preparing something especially for you, still let them know what might work best for you. If they need to use a speculum, ask for a small one! Even if they can’t use all their time convincing you of how convenient something might be, still tell them if you cannot do certain methods while feeling safe. Is there something on hand to relieve even a little pain? Can it be self administered at home? Can you sit in a different chair? If you cannot possibly resolve something as much as you’d like, ask for them to at least tell you what’s going on and ask how they might cope with similar sensations. Can an X-ray be done instead of a biopsy? If not, ask for them to take your concerns into account and go from there, such as a less invasive tool designed for the same purpose. Wear a long skirt or a dress so you can just pull it up rather than take your clothes off. You can also bring a jacket or different pants to change into. Take headphones and listen to music, explain you're nervous and would not like to hear much about what's going on but just to be told when they've started and when they've finished. Focus in on what you're listening to. Say if it’s your first time doing a certain procedure and mention your concerns. Acknowledge you understand people don’t necessarily enjoy it for fun. Knowing can make you less anxious. It’s definitely worth asking something like ‘I do find this procedure extremely painful, could you try with a X?’ The procedure is easier for them to perform if you’re not squirming around in pain so there’s no reason for them not to at least try. Pamper yourself. Count as you breathe. Breathe in 1-2-3-4. Breathe out 1-2-3-4. If the doctor's good, they'll keep you talking and talk to you for further distraction, and walk you through each step they take. Most of the time, certain tests don't take much longer than 30 seconds and afterwards they'll leave you alone so you can recover if you need it. Talk to them beforehand so they know you're anxious, and see what they can do to help you get through it. Knowing options are always open to you if you need it can help put you at ease. Knowing what certain tests feel like can make it go smoother and easier to manage. Mentally walk yourself through the procedure before it happens while doing slow breathing exercises - breath in for five counts and out for five (or longer) while walking yourself through what to expect with your eyes closed. If at any point you get nervous, keep breathing and open your eyes. Once comfortable, continue through the procedure and just keep breathing. Don’t dismiss true concerns so you can decide what might be best for you. Gather all available facts to make informed decisions with the medics. Discuss the procedure with the medic and what they will do and when it happens. While the procedure happens, ask them to explain what which thing it is they’re doing next and how it might feel. Tell them if at any point you express discomfort, they check in with you and do not proceed until you give them the green light. Make sure nothing is put in you if you have not consented to or understand the purpose of. It’ll help you stay in some control if you are allowed to say if you wanted to stop at any given time to get through it. Anyone could find any experience distressing, but one’s distress can be magnified by the facts of how they are autistic, traumatized, etc. Just like with any other condition, doctors should have to take into account a particular person in their office and adjust what they’re doing to meet the needs of said patient. Jot down in advance everything you want to discuss to know exactly why, when and how something is to be. Ask for details and mention anything. Think about the muscles in your legs as you close your eyes. Imagine you’re at home, or think of a show. Anything to make it seem less intimidating. Give them notes you’ve taken. Ask if you can pace. Even if you aren’t a child, you still may need the catering even if you understand what medics are for. Make kits. Ask them to listen to you and to take time with you to make it more comforting. Advocate as feedback. 😷

🍑 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pelvic-exam/about/pac-20385135 🍑

😷 https://lifehacker.com/what-your-pediatrician-should-and-shouldnt-do-during-a-1822524179 😷

😷 Wear a long skirt or a dress so you can just pull it up rather than taking your clothes. You can also bring a jacket or different pants to change into. 😷

😷 Pamper yourself. Count as you breathe. Breathe in 1-2-3-4. Breathe out 1-2-3-4. If the doctor's good, they'll keep you talking and talk to you for further distraction walking you through each step they take. Most of the time, certain tests don't take much longer than 30 seconds and afterwards they'll leave you alone so you can recover if you need it. Talk to them beforehand so they know you're anxious and see what they can do to help you get through it. Knowing options are always open to you if you need them can help put you at ease.

😷 If it’s a same day appointment without any preparation beforehand, still let them know any needs. Even if it’s not worth it to spend nearly an hour on preparing something especially for you, still let them know what might work best. If they need to use a speculum, ask for a small one! Even if they can’t use all their time convincing you of how convenient something might be, still tell them if you cannot do certain methods while feeling safe. Is there something on hand to relieve even a little pain? Can it be self administered at home? Can you sit in a different chair? If you cannot possibly resolve something as much as you’d like, ask for them to at least tell you what’s going on and ask how they might cope with similar sensations. Can an X-ray be done instead of a biopsy? If not, ask for them to take your concerns into account and go from there, such as a less invasive tool designed for the same purpose. 😷

Tips 💉 Depending on the procedure meet the one treating you to see if they are a good fit for you. If they seem nice and willing, find something where you can both agree to make it better for the both of you. If you can notify them ahead of time, mention your needs. “I have autism which might contribute to my discomfort. What can I bring to the clinic? Can I leave my pants on, or can I wear a skirt instead of having to undress? Can you prepare smaller medical tools? Do you have sedatives? Are numbing agents readily available? Do you have a room with an adjustable seat? What’s the best treatment for me? Are there other options to make it easier to get care?” Look up pictures of the place, visit it, read any rule policies and see if they can accommodate to getting special permission for certain aspects. Get a personalized treatment plan. Mention you’ve special needs regarding X. Use telemedicine, an appointment over video, phone call or text chat, when available and appropriate. Ask about at home tests you can send. Tell your doctor about your worries. They might be able to help you address them.

Skin 🧴 Skin protects the insides of the body. Human skin can range from light peachy cream colour to dark brown depending on the amount of melanin produced. Sun exposure and genetics can also play a role. 🧴

😷 Take headphones and listen to music, explain you're nervous and would not like to hear much about what's going on but just to be told when they've started and when they've finished. Focus in on what you're listening to.

Knowing what certain tests feel like can make it go smoother and easier to manage. Mentally walk yourself through the procedure before it happens while doing slow breathing exercises - breath in for five counts and out for five (or longer) while walking yourself through what to expect with your eyes closed. If at any point you get nervous, keep breathing and open your eyes. Once comfortable, continue through the procedure and just keep breathing. 😷

🍑 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/self-test-makes-cervical-screening-pap-smear-even-easier 🍑

😷 https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/health-and-wellness/our-care/exploring-the-promise-of-at-home-cervical-cancer-screening 😷

😷 https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-ged-kearney-mp/media/pap-smears-can-be-replaced-by-do-it-yourself-cervical-cancer-tests 😷

🍑 https://www.health.gov.au/self-collection-for-the-cervical-screening-test 🍑

😷 Keep a diary of the situations that make you feel anxious and note how you’ve reacted in each situation. This will help you identify potential triggers for your anxiety. 😷

😷 Remember that you are not alone and can discuss these issues with a trusted mental health provider. Exploring treatment options with a healthcare provider Exercising to reduce stress Setting realistic goals Breaking up large tasks into smaller ones Spending time with friends and family Confiding in trusted friends or relatives Seeking out comforting situations, places, and people Seeking out support from friends and family Finding a support group Learning to feel good about one’s actions in the face of danger Having a positive coping strategy Being able to act and respond effectively despite feeling fearful Medication and expectation management strategies may also be included in an overall treatment plan. 😷

😷 Treatments should be appropriately adapted for autistic people and their individual needs. (Rumball et al. 2020) and Kerns et al. (2022) suggest a number of other events that autistic people found traumatic: abandonment by/loss of a loved one (for example a family member, pet or support staff) sensory experiences (for example fire alarms) transitions and change (for example school transitions, routine changes with the seasons, unpredictability in day to day life) social difficulties and confusion (for example difficulties interpreting social cues, misunderstandings and conflicts) events related to one’s own mental health difficulties (for example psychotic experiences). Autistic people may also be more likely to find these experiences traumatic due to autistic characteristics such as: sensory sensitivities communication and social interaction differences distress around changes to routines distress if prevented from taking part in repetitive and restricted behaviours such as stimming. Some theories suggest that other factors associated with being autistic, may mean an increased risk of developing or maintaining PTSD symptoms But just because symptoms aren’t crippling doesn’t mean you're not affected. 😷

😷 Before beginning trauma-focused therapy it is important to stabilise the individual with emotional coping strategies and creating feelings of safety. Support strategies that have been found to be helpful in the general population include: mindfulness and grounding in the present moment creating feelings of safety (for example an object/picture that symbolises safety) sensory soothing Autistic people may require: a greater number of sessions a longer or shorter duration to each session regular breaks. 😷

❪🍑ꦿེ≭•۟.❫ ๛ᤢ᪴🍑↯ ⿻ꦿꦂ🍑 🍑❜︧༷︧➭ ◖🍑ནཹꦿ◗ 惢🍑҂ 𖤜໋᳝݊

) ( (‿ˠ‿) \ | / ( | )

😷 If you can, look for a trauma-informed healthcare provider, or a provider that has experience helping people who have experienced trauma. If your current provider doesn’t listen to your concerns or makes you uncomfortable, remember that you can absolutely seek out a different practitioner. 😷

💙 Most kids with ASD are either hypersensitive or hyposensitive to stimuli like noises, lights, touch, etc. If someone has Autism and/or PTSD, he/she may be more prone to sensory overload and startle more easily. That means there’s not much information about how typical treatment methods can or should be adjusted for patients with ASD. According to this article, a nurse could… Offer home-based services Use more visual aids, such as gradient scales to describe degrees of emotion Keep appointment times regular and predictable as much as possible Provide sensory toys or allow children to bring their own Emphasize the possibility of a “happy ending” after trauma―​“this correlates well with the documented effectiveness of social stories, narratives and role-playing in therapy involving individuals with ASD” Be mindful of how often society dismisses the emotions of autistic people Involve other trusted caregivers …and more. Essentially, the therapist should keep the child’s unique strengths and limitations in mind at each step and be open to flexibility. Remember to… Not take behavior personally Be willing to listen without pressuring him/her to talk Identify possible triggers and help him/her avoid them Remain calm and understanding when he/she is emotional Let him/her make age-appropriate choices so he/she feels in control of his/her life Be patient 💙

🍑 ‘Pap smears’ can be replaced by do-it-yourself cervical cancer tests From today, women who need to get a cervical screening test will be able to choose to self-collect a sample themselves. The self-collect option is a game changer in cervical screening – with Australia is one of the first countries in the world to offer it as a choice for all screening participants. Being able to do the test yourself is also expected to increase the rates of cervical cancer screening for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who may have experienced cultural barriers and taboos around traditional ‘pap smears’. It will also make a world of difference for the gender diverse community who also face access barriers. Today’s change to the National Cervical Screening Program means that anyone aged 25-74 with a cervix, who has ever been sexuallly active will be able to choose to have a Cervical Screening Test either by: taking their own sample from, using a simple swab, or having a health care provider collect the sample using a speculum. Some test options are free under Medicare – so if your healthcare provider bulk bills for consultations, the whole thing is free. They are accessed through a healthcare provider and are accurate and safe ways to collect a sample for a Cervical Screening Test. Self-collection is also available as an option for follow-up HPV testing after an intermediate risk result and cervical screening during pregnancy. More information on self-collection and the National Cervical Screening Program can be found at www.health.gov.au/ncsp. 🍑

🍑 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841 🍑

If thinking about female screening is too much, you can ask your doctor to take your name off the cervical screening automatic invitation list until you feel stronger. Please be aware that you may be asked why you want your name removed. 🍑 It is also important to remember it is your choice whether to go for said screening and, if you do go, you are in control of the test. 🍑 You may find it helpful to: Ask them to talk you through the test beforehand and show you the speculum and brush. Tell them what words or phrases you prefer or are comfortable with, to help them avoid any language that may be distressing. Tell them how heavy or light their touch should be, or not to touch certain areas if possible. Ask whether you can insert the speculum yourself, if that would feel more comfortable. Ask for a longer or double appointment. This allows you a little extra breathing space before and after the test, so you can take the appointment at a pace that is more comfortable for you. Knowing your limits Remember that if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or distressed, it is your right to stop or pause the test at any time – whether you simply want a short time to collect yourself, or you would prefer to leave altogether. 🍑 https://www.jostrust.org.uk/forum

A quick look at the best at-home HPV tests Most affordable at-home HPV test: Everlywell HPV Test – Female Best HPV test with medical support: myLAB Box Home HPV Test Kit Best for women under 30: NURX Home HPV Test Kit Best for quick results: iDNA 🍑 However, some tests use a urine sample instead of a cervical

🍑 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cervical-biopsy 🍑

⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣾⣷⣞⣓⡲⠀⠛⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣠⠀⠙⢿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⡈ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⡟⠻⢟⣿⣿⣿⣿⠛⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡤⠀⠹⣿⠛⠀⣒⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣣⢀⢀⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠘⣮⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣾⣿⠀⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠀⢘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⣻⠇⠀⠜⠑⢙⡿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢿⡿⠯⠿⠛⣁ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⠏⠀⢀⠤⠐⠀⠀⠀⣀⠀⣀⣠⣂⣤⣦⣼⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠋⠀⠠⠂⠈⡀⣠⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⢁⠀⢘⡄⢀⣤⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟ ⣿⣿⣿⠟⢁⣴⣷⡞⡩⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⡿⢋⣡⣦⣿⣿⡏⠀⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠁⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇⢠⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠘⣸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣟⠄⢠⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷ ⣿⣿⣿⡏⠀⣸⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢏⠃ ⣿⣿⣿⡇⠀⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⠂⢠ ⣿⣿⣿⠀⣸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⠂⣴⣿ ⣿⣿⠇⠀⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡙⠀⣼⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⠀⢨⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⠁⣸⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⠀⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⠀⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿

https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/2148908/study-unnecessary-pap-smears-teens/

😷 https://theconversation.com/if-your-child-is-afraid-of-or-refusing-a-medical-procedure-heres-how-to-help-170923 😷

😷 https://neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/ptsd-and-autism 😷

😷 https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/25/adults-dont-need-booster-vaccinations-for-tetanus-diphtheria-study/ 😷

😷 https://www.findatopdoc.com/Parenting/When-a-Child-with-Autism-Refuses-Treatment 😷

😷 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/autism-and-anxiety/201904/medical-visits-and-autism-better-way 😷

😷 https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/how-to-create-a-sensory-friendly-ambulance/ 😷

😷 https://kidsinpain.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Vaccine-Pain-Needle-Fear-Resources-v2-November-2021.pdf 😷

🍑 what has been said about self collected samples for pap ‘After I made the choice, the only thing that worried me was that I wouldn’t do it properly,’ she recalls. ‘But the instructions were very clear and easy to follow, so that made me feel better about it. I’d say it was much quicker and more comfortable than doing the old Pap test, and I liked that I could do it in private.’ -Patient The Department of Health and Aged Care : (HPV) – a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers. If you are eligible and want to collect your own sample, your healthcare provider can give you a swab and instructions. A self-collected sample is taken from there so you don’t need to worry about reaching the cervix or ‘getting the right spot’. All you need to do is insert a swab a few centimetres into and rotate it for 20 to 30 seconds. Yes, it’s accurate Evidence shows a Cervical Screening Test using a self-collected sample from there is just as accurate at detecting abnormalities such as HPV as a clinician-collected sample taken from there during a speculum examination. ‘Because my doctor was so reassuring about my ability to self-collect, and the quality of the results that will come back, I found the whole experience really positive. I will definitely choose to self-collect again.’ -patient 🍑

💙 https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colon-cancer-home-test 💙

https://theconversation.com/never-had-a-pap-smear-now-theres-a-diy-option-for-you-70706 🍑 https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/cervical-self-sampling-for-under-screened-women-no

If thinking about female screening is too much, you can ask your doctor to take your name off the cervical screening automatic invitation list until you feel stronger. Please be aware that you may be asked why you want your name removed. 🍑 It is also important to remember it is your choice whether to go for said screening and, if you do go, you are in control of the test. 🍑 You may find it helpful to: Ask them to talk you through the test beforehand and show you. Tell them what words or phrases you prefer or are comfortable with, to help them avoid any language that may be distressing. Tell them how heavy or light their touch should be, or not to press certain areas if possible. Ask whether you can insert the speculum yourself, if that would feel more comfortable. Ask for a longer or double appointment. This allows you a little extra breathing space before and after the test, so you can take the appointment at a pace that is more comfortable for you. Knowing your limits Remember that if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or distressed, it is your right to stop or pause the test at any time – whether you simply want a short time to collect yourself, or you would prefer to leave altogether. 🍑 https://www.jostrust.org.uk/forum

🍑 In Scotland and Wales you are invited every 5 years between age 25 and 64. Smear tests can help stop you getting cervical cancer. It is your choice whether to have a smear test. Some carers, guardians, doctors or nurses don't think women with a learning disability need a smear test. All women between age 25 and 64 are asked if they want to have a smear test. 🍑

🍑 https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/symptoms-and-diseases/your-first-pap-smear 🍑

🍑

🍑 If you’re nervous or have a lower pain threshold there are a few things you can do to help reduce any potential discomfort. Before When you schedule your appointment ask if you can take ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. Over-the-counter pain medication can reduce the feeling of discomfort. Ask someone to come to your appointment with you. You may feel more comfortable if you bring someone you trust with you. This could be a parent, partner, or friend. If you’d like, they can stand next to you during the Pap smear or they can simply wait in the waiting room — whatever makes you feel more comfortable. When Pap smears are uncomfortable it’s often because there’s a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region. Urinating beforehand can relieve some of this pressure. In some cases, your doctor might request a urine sample so be sure to ask if it’s OK to use the restroom beforehand. During Ask your doctor to use the smallest speculum size. Often, there are a range of different speculum sizes. Let your doctor know you’re worried about the pain and that you’d prefer a smaller size. If you’re worried it will be cold ask for a plastic speculum. Plastic speculums are warmer than metal ones. If they only have metal speculums ask them to warm it up. Ask your doctor to describe what’s happening so that you aren’t caught off guard. If you’d prefer to know exactly what’s happening as it’s happening ask them to describe what they’re doing. Some people also find it helpful to chat with their doctor during the exam. If you’d rather not hear about it ask if you can wear headphones during the exam. You could play relaxing music through your headphones to help soothe any anxiety and take your mind off of what’s happening. Practice deep breathing during the exam. Breathing deeply can soothe your nerves so try to focus on your breath. Try to relax your pelvic muscles. It may feel instinctual to squeeze your pelvic muscles when you feel pain or discomfort but squeezing could add pressure to your pelvic region. Deep breathing may help you relax your muscles. Speak up if it hurts! If it’s painful, let your provider know. 🍑

🍑 https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-screening-kit-for-vaginal-health/ID=300424229-product 🍑

🍑 You’re eligible to get a cervical screening test if you’re aged between 25 and 74, you have a cervix and/or you have ever been sexuallly active (even if you’re no longer sexuallly active). Now, a self-collection method, added to the National Cervical Screening Program Guidelines, making the cervical screening test even easier for people. Although you can still choose to have your cervical screening test performed by a healthcare professional, you can also choose to collect the sample yourself. As of 1 July 2022, this self-collection option became available for all those eligible for the test. If you're eligible (see above) and choose to self-collect, you'll have the test in a private area within the medical practice and be told how to do it. There, you can take a sample by inserting a swab a few centimetres in rotating the swab The test is simple, quick and safe, and is as accurate as a test performed by the doctor or a trained nurse For more information about cervical screening Book a cervical screening test with your doctor or nurse. Use the healthdirect Service Finder, to locate a healthcare provider near you. 🍑

🍑 https://www.nyp.org/news/alternative-to-pap-smear-could-reduce-cervical-cancer-deaths 🍑

🍑 https://research2reality.com/health-medicine/cancer/hpv-test-pap-smear-alternative-cervical-cancer/ 🍑

🍑 https://paautism.org/resource/pelvic-exam-social-story/ 🍑

🍑 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623069/ 🍑

🍑 Some insurance plans may cover the cost of at-home HPV tests. Unless otherwise noted, the prices listed reflect out-of-pocket costs. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) College of American Pathologist (CAP) certified laboratoriesTrusted Source that meet federal standards for testing facilities. They come from well established, trusted manufacturers who use encryption technology and other safety protocols to ensure user privacy. Each test has a significant number of positive reviews online, with few to no complaints. 🍑

a journal for my drama obsessions 📖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡📌⚗🪄🪄

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-screening/cervical-screening-learning-disability

💙 https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/cervical-cancer-screening-hpv-test-guideline 💙

🍑 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens-at-your-appointment/ 🍑

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-06/hpv-diy-tests-will-save-lives-doctors-say/9514916

https://www.kristiangevinemd.com/yearly-pap-smears/

https://www.kristiangevinemd.com/pap-smears/

HPV test may be a superior form of screening. Thus far results from studies demonstrated that primary HPV testing detects cervical neoplasia earlier and more accurately than the Pap smear ♥️

😷 https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2021/03/30/cervical-cancer-hpv-screening-researchers/2991617114237/ 😷

2020 ACS 2012 ACS 2018 USPSTF Age 21‒24 No screening Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 25‒29 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 30‒65 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) HPV/Pap cotest every 3 years (preferred) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5 years, or HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years Age 65 and older No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal and not at high risk for cervical cancer

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/pelvic-exams-pap-tests.htm

🍑 https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/cervical-cancer-screening-hpv-test-guideline 🍑

( Ю )🍑

2020 Update 2012 old 2018 former rec. Ages <25 No screening Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 25‒29 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) , HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) or Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 30‒65 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) or HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) or HPV/Pap cotest every 3 years (preferred) or Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5 years, or HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years Age 65 + No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal and not at high risk for cancer

🍆

butt

🍆🍊🍆🍑🧖🏼‍♀️✔

🍑𓂸

🇧🇺🇹 🇹 🇫 🇺 🇨 🇰 🇪 🇷