posted
Hey, so basically I have been having my pap smears every year since I started being sexually active at sixteen. Im twenty now, and since I have my pap smear with my yearly physical every may, LAST may's pap smear concluded that the smear did not gather enough cells, so I had to wait six months for the cells to regrow. I got the retest done this December, and now I've just been told that I have the same results again, that there weren't enough cells gathered.
The first time it happened my doctor told me it was completely normal and happened all the time, but now after it happening twice in a row, I'm pretty freaked out about it. I've researched it on the internet, and some suggested that it may be the fault of the person administering the pap test, in that case, do you think I should go to a special OB GYN to get my next test Because my regular doctor is the one who performs them on me yearly.
Any advice would be wonderful, thanks a tonne! Posts: 19 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
My best bet is that this isn't about something being wrong with you, but about a lack of proficiency on the part of your healthcare provider with doing paps.
So, given this pattern, I would suggest seeking out this healthcare specifically from an OB/GYN or a sexual/reproductive health clinic rather than this specific doctor.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63244 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
Thanks Heather I think you may be right-- do you think it is necessary to wait the whole six months or would three be enough in this case (also have read this online.)
Also, how would I now go about getting an OB GYN, through referral from my regular doctor? Do I just tell her she sucks at giving paps- LOL...
posted
You know, I don't see any reason to wait at all if you don't want to.
Yes, your general physical is the person to ask for a referral. Since I agree, it'll be more than a little awkward to state the reason so plainly, perhaps you might try to just say that you want a few things from an OB/GYN you'd feel more comfortable seeking from one.
Alternately, you may be able to use a clinic for this, sans referral. I don't know where you are in Canada, but if you're in or near any of the major cities, all of them have sexual health clinics.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63244 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
I really don't want to wait at all, you're right about that for sure. The thing is don't I not have a choice about it? Or is it possible for me to just re do the pap with an OB GYN.
I'm in the Toronto area, so if I just searched for a clinic and went there, what would I say to them exactly?
Posts: 19 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
That you need a pap smear and anything else you might want done there. You can mention the trouble you've been having with your GP and paps if you like, but you don't have to.
I think you shouldn't experience any limitations with this at this point.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63244 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
If I went to one right away to get it done, would it turn out there would not be enough cells again because I didn't wait long enough, or does it not matter?
Posts: 19 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Not having dealt with an error like this with someone twice in a row, I can't be sure, but I doubt it'd be an issue. But you could save yourself a wasted trip just by calling and asking the clinic first.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63244 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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the same thing happened to me... twice in a row. I changed doctor and the problem was solved
The new doctor I went to did tell me it was better to wait (3months I think) to give time for the cells to regenerate.
Posts: 126 | From: Canada | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
Thanks for the advice Heather I'll be sure to do that tomorrow morning
And thumb tack, really? That actually makes me feel a lot better cuz I was thinking does this ever happen to anyone else!?? After you changed doctors was everything back to normal??
Hahaa and our names made me laugh, thumb tack, and paper clip...LOL... Posts: 19 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Nov 2007
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-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63244 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
haha, I was going to make an office supply joke (I tried paperclip, but it was taken!)
yup, really. I never met anyone else who had to inconclusive ones in a row. I've been having regular pap tests ever since, and no problems!
Posts: 126 | From: Canada | Registered: Mar 2011
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