(no subject)

[leahmajewski.livejournal.com]

This may seem like a really stupid question...

But why do you need to get an internal exam when you become sexually active? I've only been with one person, and I went with him when he got tested for STD's, so he's all clean.

I'm just wondering what else it is they check for when you become sexually active.

Thanks for any responses.

X o X o X
-=-leah-=-

Comments

[childishdreams.livejournal.com]

They still check for things such as cancer, endometriosis, and other things along that line.

[leahmajewski.livejournal.com]

Well I get that, but how come they check for cancer and stuff when you become sexually active? Why not even if you aren't?

X o X o X
-=-leah-=-

[the-lissa.livejournal.com]

You don't need to be sexually active to have an internal exam. I think I read women should have an annual one starting at 18 or whenever they become sexually active, whichever comes first.

[leahmajewski.livejournal.com]

Eh, that's not exactly what I mean. I can't figure out a good way to put my question.

X o X o X
-=-leah-=-

[the-lissa.livejournal.com]

ok sorry.

[strand3d.livejournal.com]

I think majorly because when you become sexually active you put youreslf at a higher risk for problems with your vagina, basically. Not to say that sex can cause cancer and what not, because it doesn't. But if you're shoving things in there constantly, you need to have it checked out to make sure everything is perfectly fine. If you have an infection or something, and you're having sex, that can cause serious problems, so its good to just rule them out once a year.

[bheansidhe.livejournal.com]

Right.. it's not that "sex causes cancer," it's that multiple sex partners and starting intercourse at an earlier age are RISK FACTORS for developing certain types of cancer, including cervical.

On the other hand, Men could reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer through regular masturbation (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3072021.stm).

[leahmajewski.livejournal.com]

You people are so very educated :) I'm glad I found this community. I feel comfortable being a semi-moron.

X o X o X
-=-leah-=-

[bheansidhe.livejournal.com]

Studies have proven that rates of cervical cancer are much higher in sexually active women than in women who've never had vaginal intercourse. That's why the medical establishment says every woman should have an annual Pap smear as part of a complete pelvic examination beginning when she becomes sexually active or reaches 18 years of age and continuing for the rest of her life. (http://www.ascp.org/general/pub_resources/pap/)

Risks factors for cancer of the cervix: Multiple sexual partners (or sexual partners who have had multiple partners), Starting sexual intercourse at an early age, Smoking, (more) (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/12373-1.asp).

A yearly exam can also check for signs of ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and breast tumors, so you should have one even if you aren't sexually active. I hope this answers your question.

[leahmajewski.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much, that was very helpful :)

X o X o X
-=-leah-=-

[childishdreams.livejournal.com]

Usually they say that you need your exam after you turn 18, whether you are sexually active or not.

[alitaorg.livejournal.com]

in my part of the country, as soon as you got your period you first went to the gyno, so s/he could make sure that everything was going well.

i'm guessing that it's easier to get a pelvic exam when your hymen's not in the way anymore, though.