http://denialfeelsgood.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] denialfeelsgood.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] vaginapagina2008-06-04 01:25 pm

(no subject)

Im going to planned parenthood for my annual pap smear (tho its been long over due by a couple years) on friday. Do they automatically test for HPV or do they just test for abnormal cells?

[identity profile] ends-and-means.livejournal.com 2008-06-04 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Just abnormal cells.

[identity profile] jenn-possible.livejournal.com 2008-06-04 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
HPV testing isn't recommended for most women unless they have an abnormal pap.

[identity profile] serabelle.livejournal.com 2008-06-04 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I went to a planned parenthood and they tested for EVERYTHING -- the damn bill was over $200 for me. I was pissed.. especially since I've been tested in the past, and have been with the same partner for over 3 years. Make sure you ask when you go in.

[identity profile] sleep-monger.livejournal.com 2008-06-04 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
They only test for abnormal cells, unless you ask.

[identity profile] commelespommes.livejournal.com 2008-06-04 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
At the clinic I volunteer at, you have to request to have the specific types of abnormal cells (like HPV) tested: it's a different type of pap smear that's quite a bit more expensive.

That's weird, serabelle-- for our clinic, it's $35 for a physical examination and "basic" pap smear-- I think the specific smear (I'm not sure the name, but they smear the cells into liquid) is $75 (or in that range).

[identity profile] slobbergal.livejournal.com 2008-06-04 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure about PP but kaiser automatically checks for HPV when you have a pap test because if you're negative for HPV they recommend a pap every 3 years, if you're positive for HPV every year.

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[identity profile] free-me07.livejournal.com 2008-06-05 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
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[identity profile] frolicnaked.livejournal.com 2008-06-05 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
The pap by itself only looks for abnormal cells, but to find out what your Planned Parenthood's standard practice is, your best bet is to contact them and ask (or ask when you go in). Not all Planned Parenthoods are the same, and there are very few circumstances in which someone can say what "every" Planned Parenthood does. If I had to guess, I'd guess "no" if you're under age 30 because HPV testing is not recommended (http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_hpv_dysplasia.cfm#5) in conjunction with a pap smear until then.