Now I'm not saying sex influence the health of a vagina, but personal health should be at the forefront of everyone's list of priorities. So why is it then thy sexual health is seen as such a private, taboo topic whilst sex isn't? Perhaps it's the idea that STIs are shameful - which if you're shacking up with a new partner and not using protection, yeah it probably is... But I feel that lack of 'talking about it' when it comes to check ups and even STI screenings, deters young people from undertaking often vital examinations down there.
So it's acceptable to fantasise about and ridicule vibrators, jiggle balls, and various others vaginal insertions but when it comes to a MEDICAL tube which could potentially save lives, we all whence and pull a face in disgust.
I myself was frightened of undergoing the most vital (in my opinion) test a girl of my age could have! A cervical smear test! So many people have died unnecessarily of this disease - some people will have had the HPV injection - but did you know this only covers you for 80% of cervical cancers ? The government are really great in this respect.
1. you get a letter in the post just before your 25th birthday inviting you for a smear test.
2. You get a secondary letter 6 months after your 25th birthday.
3. At any doctor appointment booked and attended you will receive a verbal reminder and will be encouraged to undergo this examination.
I was one of those who needed more than three reminders.. But eventually I went for it and regretted not attending sooner. Not because of the result, for me luckily, all was perfectly fine, but I regretted it due to the simplicity of the procedure. I wish I had known! So I am going to talk about the procedure in order to try and raise awareness and encourage as many people to go as possible - it won't be any worse than the 'pussies' 'dildos' 'holes' etc that we are surrounded by inthe very sexual nature of our society; so if those are acceptable today, then feel free to read the MEDICAL recount below, otherwise just close this page !! :)
Initially I was asked questions about my sexual activity with regards to partners, whether I use protection and what form if yes, and questions regarding family history of cancer. I was asked also to give details of any STIs that I may have had or been treated for if applicable. Oh, and about periods, they just like to check if they're regular and how long your average cycle is. Easy first part right ?
Ok so next, the nurse talked through the procedure - she showed me the device she was going to use and insert and explained how it worked. Now I'm not going to pretend I am an expert because I must admit I was shaking with nerves and only listened to the main points but basically a small bottle looking thing with chemical fluid inside is inserted into the vagina and the brush looking thing sweeps cervical cells into it. I googled what I saw and here is an image:
So looks scary right? I thought so too, but it actually was just daunting to look at. When it came to inserting this, the nurse ensured her glove and her device used to open up the vagina was covered in plenty of lubricant. (There are alternative means of lubrocation for those people who are allergic to lubricant and condoms) Here is what the 'opener' device looked like:
So for those people who are already having sex, I can tell you now, this just feels like a normal penis and there is no pain involved - slightly cold but nothing to worry about at all. Once this is in, it means the nurse can see what she is doing and will I sett the tube looking thing above and do a few 'sweeps' during which time she is actually scraping bits of your cervix, but scrape makes it sound horrible - imagine a toothbrush gently brushing your gums.. It's a bit uncomfortable, but not excruciating or unbearable. The most uncomfortable feeling is the fact that you are feeling a penetration in areas you usually wouldn't. I suppose it's like picking your nose but pushing your finger slightly further up than what you're used to? Gross, but it's similar! Try it ? Haha.
On a serious note though, the 'opener' goes in, about 5-10 seconds later the cervical screening device goes in, the nurse will do about 3-5 sweeps all with about 5-10 pauses to allow you some breathing space, one sweep itself probably takes between 3-5 seconds - so the whole thing is done in about 2 minutes maximum!
I guess all I have left to say is PLEASEPLEASE go and get tested - cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 19-35 and can be prevented with early detection! The purpose of this post is not to bore people with statistics - Google them if you're interested - I just wanted to give an insight into what happens so people know what to expect.. Because how cool would it be if someone read or shared this post, got tested and they realised it was ok... Or, it wasn't a good outcome, but they caught it early and we saved their life... Because of a 2 minute procedure?
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