Pap Smear
What is the purpose of a Pap Smear and why do many women choose not to have one done?
The purpose of a pap smear is to test for cancer. It is recommended that women have this test done at lest once a year. The only reason women choose not to have one (in my opinion) is just convenience even though is uncomfortable for obvious reasons, it is quite fast.
In my opinion any woman who refuses to ever have a pap smear done is gambling with her health. Pap spears do not only find precancerous conditions but they also help isolate other STD including clamidea infection (yeast) which can become life threatening if left untreated. Pap smears should begin being taken around the age of 15 or 16 but DEFINITELY when a girl becomes sexually active, even if her partner always uses a condom. Multiple partners, even with "safe sex practices" also mandates yearly pap tests as just changing partners can change the environment of the vagina and introduce situations that can lead to problems.
For the time, discomfort and possible embarrassment of a pap test, the peace of mind when it comes back negative is well worth the effort. An erroneous positive pap is more common than erroneous negatives but the secondary test is often very reassuring so it is still worth the "risk". Cervical cancer is a very quiet disease which makes it all the more deadly and the life expectancy of someone with a positive pap for cervical cancer may be long but it isn't comfortable. I know, I watched my mother's sister fight a loosing battle with cervical cancer for 15 years. The last six years of her life was something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
ArrwynCliona I hope the ladies here take what you said to heart. Surgical steel is at least unfriendly and intrusive but not as much as cancer is. I am also asking you husbands who are to be head of the house hold it is also your responsibility to gently remind your wife and daughters of this and why it is important.