Took my dd to the GYN, tell me if this makes any sense?

[dancer67]

I took my 17 yo old to the GYN this morning because she skipped her period(She is NOT pregnant, but did have "relations" already...unfortunately).

 

Anyways, the female Dr. was pushing the Gardisil. I said no way. She kept telling me how sae it was, yada yada yada. When I asked her how long the vaccine was good for, she responded with "Well we don't know yet." so I said "EXACTLY my point".

 

Yet, she tells me the new guideline for beginning pap smears are not until 21, regardless of se*ual history. Only testing for STD's.

 

Okay, how in the heck does that make any sense? If they are pushing the Gardisil, why not pap smears if you are se*ually active?

 

I don't get it.

 

I think I lost my mind.

[Remudamom]

It doesn't make sense. Any different gyns around?

[Giraffe]

Doesn't make sense to me either.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Some doctors follow the guidelines religiously. Some use their brains and use the guidelines as what they really are - guidelines. They will, however, risk being cut off as a preferred provider by insurance companies if they do that too much.

[StaceyinLA]

My girls' gyno recommends paps as soon as someone is sexually active. She also said the vaccine is recommended PRIOR to becoming active. Basically she didn't recommend it if they already were.

 

You might try another gyno.

[RahRah]

One main reason for the change in guidleine was that scientists observed was that most young women infected with the specific type of HPV that causes abnormal Pap smears clear the virus on their own in one to two years.

 

That's why a woman's first Pap smear can be delayed to age 21. The extra time doesn't put younger women at additional risk, and it spares them the emotional and physical distress of learning they had an abnormal Pap and going through unnecessary followup procedures. In young women, the procedures to treat abnormal Pap tests can interfere with having a baby.

 

It's weighing the risks and benefits - if you feel strongly she should have a pap, then request it, the physican should honor your decision, not refuse to do it.

[coffeefreak]

Any physician can do a pap. I haven't had a gyno since my last pregnancy because I could never get in! My FPD does my paps and physicals every year. Take her to your FPD.

 

Blessings!

Dorinda

[ThatCyndiGirl]

One main reason for the change in guidleine was that scientists observed was that most young women infected with the specific type of HPV that causes abnormal Pap smears clear the virus on their own in one to two years.

 

That's why a woman's first Pap smear can be delayed to age 21. The extra time doesn't put younger women at additional risk, and it spares them the emotional and physical distress of learning they had an abnormal Pap and going through unnecessary followup procedures. In young women, the procedures to treat abnormal Pap tests can interfere with having a baby.

 

It's weighing the risks and benefits - if you feel strongly she should have a pap, then request it, the physican should honor your decision, not refuse to do it.

 

Actually, the daughter is 17. If the DAUGHTER feels strongly that she wants a pap smear then SHE should request it.

 

I would have been LIVID at age 17 if my mother tried to force a medical procedure on me!

[Dawn in OH]

It doesn't make sense.

 

And guidelines are just that. Not law. Anyone sexually active should be getting a pap smear. Anyone 21 and up, regardless of sexual activity, should have a pap smear.

[dancer67]

Oh..FTR I did not force anything on her at all. I am not like that. It just didn't make any sense to me. But I see what the above pp is saying about delaying paps until 21. She still had an internal exam though,(She is late for her period) and was tested for STD's since she did have relations that one time. She was fine with that. I was in the room with her the whole time per her request.

Everything turned out okay. She sent her for bloodwork to test her hormone levels(Her thyroid was tested already and was normal), and if for some reason she doesn't get her period in 3 more months, she will have to take Provera(Bleh).

I really do like the GYN. She is very patient and kind. I just didn't get the whole delayed pap thing. But makes sense to me now.

Actually, at my age, I do not have to see my GYN for three years now:lol:

[stripe]

I agree, it is a matter for the daughter to be involved in. I have observed that my kids' pediatricians have the code on their billing sheet for pap smears, so many pediatricians/teen specialist doctors, as well as general family doctors, do do pap smears and things like discuss birth control; gynecologists are required for more specialist procedures. You could also consider a midwife; they do "well woman" exams.

[RahRah]

Actually, the daughter is 17. If the DAUGHTER feels strongly that she wants a pap smear then SHE should request it.

 

I would have been LIVID at age 17 if my mother tried to force a medical procedure on me!

 

ummm....hello....you don't have to bite my head off. Her mom took her and was surprised by the pap guidelines - didn't sound to me like she was looking to *force* any medical procedure on her - there was no indication one way or the other. In fact, I'd say it sounds like she and her daughter have a good relationship given the fact that daughter didn't just go on her own.

[Dawn in OH]

Actually, at my age, I do not have to see my GYN for three years now:lol:

 

I saw that when I read the new guidelines and it doesn't make any sense to me. If cancers can be detected via a pap smear, and early detection can make treatment easier, why would we want to change from an annual pap smear to one every 3 years? It doesn't make sense.

[Danestress]

I saw that when I read the new guidelines and it doesn't make any sense to me. If cancers can be detected via a pap smear, and early detection can make treatment easier, why would we want to change from an annual pap smear to one every 3 years? It doesn't make sense.

 

If early detection can make treatment easier, why not get a pap every month then? I would assume because there is a lot of inconvenience and cost associated with that, and not enough benefit. Apparently they think 3 years is the magic number? I don't know. I didn't know that they guidelines had been changed for pap smears, though I know mammogram frequency has been in in the news. Is it three years now even before menopause?

[dancer67]

ummm....hello....you don't have to bite my head off. Her mom took her and was surprised by the pap guidelines - didn't sound to me like she was looking to *force* any medical procedure on her - there was no indication one way or the other. In fact, I'd say it sounds like she and her daughter have a good relationship given the fact that daughter didn't just go on her own.

 

My daughter and I have a very good relationship. Which is why I know she has had "relations" before. The Dr. did not even ask me to step out of the room to ask her any "personal" questions, because I already know everything. And my daughter and I have spoken at great length about birth control(we decided no), Gardisil(again no), and the dangers of STD's. My daughter insisted I stay in the room with her. Which I did. I held her hand.

I would never force my daughter to do any medical tests, unless I felt she absolutely needed it to make her feel better physically, save her life..etc..(Or even emotionally). The pap, IMO was not recommended, and I agreed. I just didn't understand why because things had changed. When she turns 18,(Which is in a few months), she can make her own decisions then(Even though she still insists that I attend all of her appts.) I figured it was just a big push for the gardisil vaccine. Which we have refused. And our decision was respected after I flat out said no.

 

As far as the new 3 year guidelines for adults. From what I understand, cervical cancer is slow growing. So if you have had a normal pap smear, in a monogomous relationship, they recommend every three years. Of course again, that is just a recommendation.

[JeneralMom]

I think the actual guidelines say within three years of becoming sexually active or no later than 21. From 21 to 29 annually, and from 30 on every three years if you have had no abnormal paps.

 

I'm glad you have an open relationship with your daughter because just reading your posts about this issue made me realize I never tell my mother anything personal nor would I have allowed her to make a medical appointment for me and she sure as heck would never have been in the room with me. We just don't have that type of relationship. I hope to have a much more open relationship with my girls and my boys.

[dancer67]

I think the actual guidelines say within three years of becoming sexually active or no later than 21. From 21 to 29 annually, and from 30 on every three years if you have had no abnormal paps.

 

I'm glad you have an open relationship with your daughter because just reading your posts about this issue made me realize I never tell my mother anything personal nor would I have allowed her to make a medical appointment for me and she sure as heck would never have been in the room with me. We just don't have that type of relationship. I hope to have a much more open relationship with my girls and my boys.

 

I am right with you on this. There is NO WAY I would have EVER told my mother anything or even discussed this with her. And NO WAY would I ever allow her in the room with me. AAAACCCCKKKKKK.

 

When I had my first exam, I was 15 years old because I wanted to be on BC pills.(I am married to him, thank goodness!!). I went alone with a friend.

 

I swore then that I would always be open with my kids. Especially if I had any daughters.

 

I have the same kind of relationship, just on a different level, with my 11 year old.

 

And BOTH of my girls have no problems discussing women issues with my husband either. My husband has never made them feel uncomfortable about it. And I am super glad about that. Because God forbid, anything should ever happen to me, I know they will go to my husband. My daughters love their dad alot, and my husband always takes one of the girls out to a nice restauraunt, has them all dress up, and spends time with them.

 

My son and I have a good relationship as well. But he is a little more reserved, which is expected :-) He is almost 20 now. So I do not get to see him as much. But growing up, it was the same thing.

 

I only wish I could have this relationship with my own mother. But that is never going to happen.

 

Oh, and getting back to the guidelines. My daughter had "relations" twice with the same guy. But it was 2 years ago. Still the Dr only suggested an STD test, not a pap. Only when she is 21. Unless she does it again(and we hope she doesn't).

 

Thanks ladies!

[Perry]

One main reason for the change in guidleine was that scientists observed was that most young women infected with the specific type of HPV that causes abnormal Pap smears clear the virus on their own in one to two years.

 

That's why a woman's first Pap smear can be delayed to age 21. The extra time doesn't put younger women at additional risk, and it spares them the emotional and physical distress of learning they had an abnormal Pap and going through unnecessary followup procedures. In young women, the procedures to treat abnormal Pap tests can interfere with having a baby.

 

It's weighing the risks and benefits - if you feel strongly she should have a pap, then request it, the physican should honor your decision, not refuse to do it.

:iagree:

 

Here is the most recent recommendation:

Summary of Recommendation

 

 

 

• The USPSTF strongly recommends screening for cervical cancer in women who have been sexually active and have a cervix.

  Rating: A recommendation.

  Rationale: The USPSTF found good evidence from multiple observational studies that screening with cervical cytology (Pap smears) reduces incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. Direct evidence to determine the optimal starting and stopping age and interval for screening is limited. Indirect evidence suggests most of the benefit can be obtained by beginning screening within 3 years of onset of sexual activity or age 21 (whichever comes first) and screening at least every 3 years (go to Clinical Considerations). The USPSTF concludes that the benefits of screening substantially outweigh potential harms.

 

 

Here is the rationale from the American Cancer Society:

 

Rationale

The published and unpublished data on the

incidence of cervical cancer and the natural

history of HPV infection and of low- and

high-grade cervical lesions suggest that there is

little risk of missing an important cervical

lesion until three to five years after initial

exposure to HPV (Evidence section). Thus,

cervical cytology screening in adolescents is

unlikely to add appreciable benefits within the

first three years following onset of vaginal

intercourse. It is the intent of the ACS that

offering screening “approximately†three years

after the onset of sexual intercourse will avoid

denial of health insurance coverage for teens

and young women who undergo their first

cytology test prior to the suggested three years.

However, the concern is that screening before

the three-year-period may result in an

overdiagnosis of cervical lesions that will

regress spontaneously, leading to inappropriate

intervention, which may result in more harm

than good. Because the risk of HPV

transmission to the cervix is low for other

types of sexual activity, the onset of vaginal

sexual intercourse has been selected as the

historical marker for initiating cervical

cytology screening.

Most cervical cancer is very slow growing, and takes years to develop, so the risk of waiting is low. Not zero, but low.

[cjbeach]

Some doctors follow the guidelines religiously. .

This. And ITA about the pap smear. Odd, odd, odd...

[kalanamak]

It doesn't make sense.

 

And guidelines are just that. Not law. Anyone sexually active should be getting a pap smear..

 

How is "anyone sexually active should be getting a pap smear" not a guideline? Actually, it sounds "firmer" than a guideline.

 

Why distrust the stats on delaying paps, but trust the earlier recommendations? A new test is developed. People have it right and left. Over time, after passions have cooled, data collected, and law suits evaluated, "guidelines" change. Not unusual at all, and not a terrible plot by the insurance industry.

 

 

I often think people "imprint" on such things, like birds following the thing they see when they hatch. Convince someone they should take X for prevention at a certain age, and that remains their home plate for life.

(And then there are the people who abandon each thing at the first whiff of something NEW. :))

[jillian]

it's all about money unfortunately.

 

they told me even despite my history of dysplasia and cervical issues that i only need a pap every 3 years not the every 1 year that i've been having it done since i was 16. yeah....um i don't think so, i am not going to risk getting stage 1 cervical cancer because they don't want to give me a pap smear because of whatever reason. my pap came back abnormal once, did the check again once every 3 months for 3 months and my first two months came back perfectly fine, times 3 was back worse than the original time. It can be slow but not necessarily.

 

eta: i was 17 the first time i had an abnormal pap (cleared up on it's own) and then when i was 20 i had it as described above.

[dancer67]

:iagree:

 

Here is the most recent recommendation:

Here is the rationale from the American Cancer Society:

 

Most cervical cancer is very slow growing, and takes years to develop, so the risk of waiting is low. Not zero, but low.

 

Okay, I have a question. (Might be a dumb one, sorry). What if you had intercourse and the man was wearing a condom? Is there still a risk for HPV?

[kalanamak]

Okay, I have a question. (Might be a dumb one, sorry). What if you had intercourse and the man was wearing a condom? Is there still a risk for HPV?

 

Yes, at least that is what the guidelines tell us....

[Guest FiveLittleMonkeys10]

I took my 17 yo old to the GYN this morning because she skipped her period(She is NOT pregnant, but did have "relations" already...unfortunately).

 

Anyways, the female Dr. was pushing the Gardisil. I said no way. She kept telling me how sae it was, yada yada yada. When I asked her how long the vaccine was good for, she responded with "Well we don't know yet." so I said "EXACTLY my point".

 

Yet, she tells me the new guideline for beginning pap smears are not until 21, regardless of se*ual history. Only testing for STD's.

 

Okay, how in the heck does that make any sense? If they are pushing the Gardisil, why not pap smears if you are se*ually active?

 

I don't get it.

 

I think I lost my mind.

 

My GYN told me they don't give routine pap smears to women until THREE YEARS after they first have sex.

 

They will test for STD's and such, but WHAT?!

 

I'm pretty sure you're allowed to ask for a pap smear, but I don't know how strict they are about scheduling.

[dancer67]

Yep. Our GYN said she didn't need a PAP until she was 21. Even though she had intercourse 2X(same guy) 2 years ago. (He wore a condom), but I guess that doesn't matter does it.

She just offered STD testing for her.

My SIL, who worked in that office told me they do not do PAP's unless you request one if they only had intercourse one time and it has been a while. So they do not consider you se*ually active.

My dd will be 18 in a few months, so ultimately it is going to be her decision after that.

You know. When I was young, HPV was never talked about. (this was in 1983 when I had my first pap). The medical community keeps changing its mind and coming up with so many things, I can't keep up with it!

I do wonder if this is all about money for Gardisil, and less paying out for pap smears. Funny how the new guideline for pap smears came out shortly after the Gradisil was approved. Hmmmmm.......

We do know that she will not have the Gardisil vax. At least not in the immediate future.

[Perry]

You know. When I was young, HPV was never talked about. (this was in 1983 when I had my first pap). The medical community keeps changing its mind and coming up with so many things, I can't keep up with it!

I do wonder if this is all about money for Gardisil, and less paying out for pap smears. Funny how the new guideline for pap smears came out shortly after the Gradisil was approved. Hmmmmm.......

We do know that she will not have the Gardisil vax. At least not in the immediate future.

The recommendations are from 2002. Gardasil was approved in 2006. Paps are still recommended annually until age 30. The main change is when to start screening.

 

They aren't just changing their minds randomly. New information is constantly available, and recommendations change based on the evidence.

 

Like the pp said, most abnormalities clear up on their own, without intervention. That is fairly new information.

Edited May 28, 2010 by Perry

[ThatCyndiGirl]

ummm....hello....you don't have to bite my head off. Her mom took her and was surprised by the pap guidelines - didn't sound to me like she was looking to *force* any medical procedure on her - there was no indication one way or the other. In fact, I'd say it sounds like she and her daughter have a good relationship given the fact that daughter didn't just go on her own.

 

 

Ummm,.....hello....I didn't bite your head off. I was expressing my displeasure at the thought of something being forced. It had nothing to do with YOU....and I DO understand that the OP wasn't forcing anything on her daughter, either.

 

Sorry if you felt that you were attacked. ??? :confused:

 

I quoted you because you wrote something like, "your decision" (speaking to OP), which led me to believe that it was your opinion that it should be the MOTHER'S decision.

 

It wasn't personal. I held/hold no ill will toward you. I was just quoting, not hating.

Edited May 29, 2010 by ThatCyndiGirl

[dancer67]

The recommendations are from 2002. Gardasil was approved in 2006. Paps are still recommended annually until age 30. The main change is when to start screening.

 

They aren't just changing their minds randomly. New information is constantly available, and recommendations change based on the evidence.

 

Like the pp said, most abnormalities clear up on their own, without intervention. That is fairly new information.

 

Oh, okay. Thanks Perry. I didn't know this. The impression I got from the Dr., was that this was new protocol.

 

Since the new information on abnormalities clearing on their own, I am to assume this is why the recommendation is now age 21?

 

Our GYN did not recommend the pap to my dd. Only at age 21. I am sure she would have done it if I requested it(and my daughter and I spoke about it and she said she would agree to whatever I decided before we went ), but I didn't know about the three year thing after having intercourse the first time.

 

Would I have still requested it? Probably not. I have been with this office for many many years, and they had me as a patient when I was pregnant with Monoamnionic/Monochorionic identical twins. And they never had/seen a patient like me ever.(It is a very rare twinning). They took excellent care of me. So I do trust them. I am still with the same practice, just my daughter has the female Dr, and I have a male Dr.

 

Thanks for the clarification.

Edited May 29, 2010 by dancer67

[Perry]

Since the new information on abnormalities clearing on their own, I am to assume this is why the recommendation is now age 21?

 

Our GYN did not recommend the pap to my dd. Only at age 21.

Well, if she became sexually active at 16, she really should have a Pap by around age 19.

Direct evidence to determine the optimal starting and stopping age and interval for screening is limited. Indirect evidence suggests most of the benefit can be obtained by beginning screening within 3 years of onset of sexual activity or age 21 (whichever comes first)...

 

Yes, it's because there are too many false positives that end up getting treated, most of which would have disappeared on their own. Even if the abnormalities progress, the natural history of cervical cancer is very long, and almost never occurs within three years of exposure.

 

It's a tradeoff of risks. Doing screening too early results in unnecessary procedures that can have long term and permanent consequences. Waiting a few years carries the risk of missing a case of cancer. That risk is thought to be very, very low compared to the danger of unnecessary procedures.

 

In England, the NHS won't even start screening until age 25, regardless of sexual history.

[calandalsmom]

Okay, I have a question. (Might be a dumb one, sorry). What if you had intercourse and the man was wearing a condom? Is there still a risk for HPV?

 

Yes there is still a risk.

http://cervicalcancer.about.com/od/riskfactorsandprevention/a/condoms_HPV.htm

[Perry]

nm

Edited May 29, 2010 by Perry

[Haiku]

When I asked her how long the vaccine was good for, she responded with "Well we don't know yet." so I said "EXACTLY my point".

 

 

The vaccine doesn't protect you once you've already been infected. If your dd is sexually active, she could get HPV, and if she gets it, it's too late for the vaccine.

 

Here's what Wikipedia says about delaying screening:

 

Women should wait a few years (e.g., three) after the first time they have intercourse to start screening since most women contract HPV soon after becoming sexually active. It takes an average of a year, but can take up to four years, for a woman's immune system to control the initial infection. Screening during this period may show this immune reaction and repair as mild abnormalities, which are usually not associated with cervical cancer, but could cause the woman stress and result in further tests and possible treatment. Cervical cancer usually takes time to develop, so delaying the start of screening a few years does not pose much risk of missing a potentially precancerous lesion.

 

Tara

[dancer67]

So I guess I am still not understanding why she said age 21? The Dr obviously knows she had intercourse, because she asked, and performed, an STD swab?

 

My dd was 15(almost 16) when this happened, so she SHOULD have a pap at age 18 1/2?

 

By then, that decision would be hers.

 

I can't imagine, a Dr. recommending this then, at age 21 for the simple fact of a lawsuit waiting to happen. What if my dd DID have cervical cancer at age 21, when it could have picked up at 18 yo? KWIM?

If she performed an STD test, she knew she had intercourse at some point. Again, wouldn't this Dr. be afraid of a lawsuit? There are many sue happy people in this world.

 

Maybe I should call the office on Tuesday and ask this question?

[Tree House Academy]

That's why a woman's first Pap smear can be delayed to age 21. The extra time doesn't put younger women at additional risk, and it spares them the emotional and physical distress of learning they had an abnormal Pap and going through unnecessary followup procedures. In young women, the procedures to treat abnormal Pap tests can interfere with having a baby.

 

 

 

Oh how I wish my doctor had known this. I have had one abnormal pap in my life and it was when I was 20 years old and had just had a baby. It scared me to death. I honestly thought that it meant I had cancer. It was a long and hard process and I had to go through a colpo and cryo surgery at that young age for something that, now, they wouldn't even treat...just recheck in a few months!

[dancer67]

Oh how I wish my doctor had known this. I have had one abnormal pap in my life and it was when I was 20 years old and had just had a baby. It scared me to death. I honestly thought that it meant I had cancer. It was a long and hard process and I had to go through a colpo and cryo surgery at that young age for something that, now, they wouldn't even treat...just recheck in a few months!

 

OH NO!! I wouldn't want to put my daughter through this. You know, I had one abnormal pap when I was 33. I was so scared. I had to have a colposcopy done. And it turned out to be nothing. I haven't had an abnormal pap since. Or prior. My daughter would be scared out of her mind! I just remembered that.

[Perry]

So I guess I am still not understanding why she said age 21? The Dr obviously knows she had intercourse, because she asked, and performed, an STD swab?

 

My dd was 15(almost 16) when this happened, so she SHOULD have a pap at age 18 1/2?

 

By then, that decision would be hers.

 

I can't imagine, a Dr. recommending this then, at age 21 for the simple fact of a lawsuit waiting to happen. What if my dd DID have cervical cancer at age 21, when it could have picked up at 18 yo? KWIM?

If she performed an STD test, she knew she had intercourse at some point. Again, wouldn't this Dr. be afraid of a lawsuit? There are many sue happy people in this world.

 

Maybe I should call the office on Tuesday and ask this question?

Yes, it surprises me that she'd recommending waiting until age 21. The standard is "about 3 years after first intercourse or age 21, whichever comes first" according to the main groups that makes those kind of recommendations (American Cancer Society, US Preventive Services Task Force, and American College of OB-Gyns).

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/ScreeningTables.pdf

 

You might want to call and clarify. As far as a lawsuit- I doubt if she's too worried about that. You could sue her if she missed a case of cancer, but that's unlikely to happen. Cervical cancer is rare in women under 25. Dysplasia (precancerous changes) is common, but it's considered very treatable at that stage.

[dancer67]

Yes, it surprises me that she'd recommending waiting until age 21. The standard is "about 3 years after first intercourse or age 21, whichever comes first" according to the main groups that makes those kind of recommendations (American Cancer Society, US Preventive Services Task Force, and American College of OB-Gyns).

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/ScreeningTables.pdf

 

You might want to call and clarify. As far as a lawsuit- I doubt if she's too worried about that. You could sue her if she missed a case of cancer, but that's unlikely to happen. Cervical cancer is rare in women under 25. Dysplasia (precancerous changes) is common, but it's considered very treatable at that stage.

 

I think I will call the office and clarify this. But I am relieved to hear that cervical cancer is rare for her age. Thank you Perry!

[asta]

I had dysplasia at 20 and had to have cryosurgery. I had all normal paps after that. At 26, when I had my baby, I wouldn't dilate. Turns out my cervix was a mass of scar tissue (no one could tell by looking at it or feeling it). I almost ended up with an emergency c-section because the baby was trying to get out and the door wouldn't open. My midwife literally ripped my cervix open (eg: ripped the scar tissue - more painful than the entire labor).

 

We still have no idea how I even GOT the dysplasia - all of my paps had been completely normal, I was with ONE guy, and then BAM - a really bad pap. Stuff happens. And it can have ramifications.

 

 

a

[Joker]

it's all about money unfortunately.

 

they told me even despite my history of dysplasia and cervical issues that i only need a pap every 3 years not the every 1 year that i've been having it done since i was 16. yeah....um i don't think so, i am not going to risk getting stage 1 cervical cancer because they don't want to give me a pap smear because of whatever reason. my pap came back abnormal once, did the check again once every 3 months for 3 months and my first two months came back perfectly fine, times 3 was back worse than the original time. It can be slow but not necessarily.

 

eta: i was 17 the first time i had an abnormal pap (cleared up on it's own) and then when i was 20 i had it as described above.

 

Its really depends on the dr. as well. I had an abnormal pap and my current dr. says he wants me to have one annually because of my history. So, I guess he ignores the so called guidelines and goes with what he feels is best for his patients.

[dancer67]

I found out why my Dr recommends age 21. This is from the ACOG:

 

http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr11-20-09.cfm

[Perry]

I found out why my Dr recommends age 21. This is from the ACOG:

 

http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr11-20-09.cfm

 

Very interesting.

 

Moving the baseline cervical screening to age 21 is a conservative approach to avoid unnecessary treatment of adolescents which can have economic, emotional, and future childbearing implications. ACOG previously recommended that cervical screening begin three years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever occurred first. Although the rate of HPV infection is high among sexually active adolescents, invasive cervical cancer is very rare in women under age 21. The immune system clears the HPV infection within one to two years among most adolescent women. Because the adolescent cervix is immature, there is a higher incidence of HPV-related precancerous lesions (called dysplasia). However, the large majority of cervical dysplasias in adolescents resolve on their own without treatment.

A significant increase in premature births has recently been documented among women who have been treated with excisional procedures for dysplasia. "Adolescents have most of their childbearing years ahead of them, so it's important to avoid unnecessary procedures that negatively affect the cervix," says Dr. Waxman. "Screening for cervical cancer in adolescents only serves to increase their anxiety and has led to overuse of follow-up procedures for something that usually resolves on its own."

 

 

These are new recommendations (Nov 2009) and your doctor is knowledgeable and current. I'm impressed! I believe she is giving your daughter excellent care and advice.

[3peasinapod]

I took my 17 yo old to the GYN this morning because she skipped her period(She is NOT pregnant, but did have "relations" already...unfortunately).

 

Anyways, the female Dr. was pushing the Gardisil. I said no way. She kept telling me how sae it was, yada yada yada. When I asked her how long the vaccine was good for, she responded with "Well we don't know yet." so I said "EXACTLY my point".

 

Yet, she tells me the new guideline for beginning pap smears are not until 21, regardless of se*ual history. Only testing for STD's.

 

Okay, how in the heck does that make any sense? If they are pushing the Gardisil, why not pap smears if you are se*ually active?

 

I don't get it.

 

I think I lost my mind.

 

I didn't read any of the posts, but with the new healthcare pushing its way through, the government has gotten its hands on how often women should have Pap smears and mammograms and lots of other things, with recommendations less than before. That could account for that recommendation.

 

Gardasil is relatively new, so I tend to be cautious, though my girls are not old enough for it yet. No one really knows the long-term effects of this vaccine yet IMO.

[gpsings]

Don't get me started on gardasil. I have a friend who's daughter just graduated high school after being in the hospital for 2 years because of it. It's heartbreaking. It's just gambling against your child!

[dancer67]

Perry,

 

I just found that last night. I think from now on though, I should come here and ask questions, and do my research a lot better so I am better informed. Thank you for all your help!

 

Oh ........................

 

And my 17 yo got her period today!:lol:

[jillian]

Don't get me started on gardasil. I have a friend who's daughter just graduated high school after being in the hospital for 2 years because of it. It's heartbreaking. It's just gambling against your child!

same here, gardasil scares the sh!t out of me. it really does, i am not normally a conspiracy theorist but i am about gardasil

[dancer67]

same here, gardasil scares the sh!t out of me. it really does, i am not normally a conspiracy theorist but i am about gardasil

 

:iagree:

[kalanamak]

Don't get me started on gardasil. I have a friend who's daughter just graduated high school after being in the hospital for 2 years because of it. It's heartbreaking. It's just gambling against your child!

 

Two years in a hospital? That is a remarkable amount of time! What was her diagnosis?

[CroppinIt]

I don't know on this exact question, but I do know that a lot of the general recommendations are not based necessarily on the best interests of the patient. There are a lot of politics involved in what comes out of the CDC -- so good luck getting a straight answer.

 

This is why *I* decide what tests and vaccines my kids get, not the government or the doctor or the nurse of the guy mowing the neighbor's lawn. I'm a bit of a grump that way. :rolleyes:

[jillian]

I don't know on this exact question, but I do know that a lot of the general recommendations are not based necessarily on the best interests of the patient. There are a lot of politics involved in what comes out of the CDC -- so good luck getting a straight answer.

 

This is why *I* decide what tests and vaccines my kids get, not the government or the doctor or the nurse of the guy mowing the neighbor's lawn. I'm a bit of a grump that way. :rolleyes:

amen to that!!!!

[stripe]

I didn't read any of the posts, but with the new healthcare pushing its way through, the government has gotten its hands on how often women should have Pap smears and mammograms and lots of other things, with recommendations less than before. That could account for that recommendation.

 

As opposed to cost-conscious number crunchers at the insurance company, who only have your best health interests in mind.

 

The government has been issuing recommendations for a long time. I don't think many medical procedures are so much fun that people should necessarily be doing them just for the thrill of it. But maybe you have a different experience with pap smears than I do....