Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 11, 2012 18:28:46 GMT
In my twenties I had cervical cancer - it resulted in a cone biopsy which left my cervix very weakened and scarred. I lost two pregnancies partly due to this and also because I have EDS and thyroid disease.
Enough of this though
Current policy is to stop screening women when they reach the age of fifty in the UK. My doctor told me that the NHS would no longer pay him to arrange my pap but thankfully he is ignoring policy.
This is not a rant - I just think that all women should be able to access a pap test as it is an excellent diagnostic tool which can pick up abnormalities before they become serious.
Changes to the cervix initially give very few symptoms. A huge number of cases including mine are caused by early exposure to the human papiloma virus caused by unprotected sex.
Many women in menopause embark on a new relationship and often are not completely aware of their partner's history. It only takes one unprotected encounter to get the virus.
The virus can cause genital warts - other than that it does little in the early stages. Later a woman suffers discharge and an inflamed cervix.
After cervical cancer has established itself - bleeding after sex is the most common symptom.
Many older women have an immunity to the virus but it pays to be vigilant and examine any new guy for cauliflower warts on his manhood.
Also I recommend insisting on your doctor continuing with your pap tests - it just might save your life like it did mine.
Jacks
Enough of this though
Current policy is to stop screening women when they reach the age of fifty in the UK. My doctor told me that the NHS would no longer pay him to arrange my pap but thankfully he is ignoring policy.
This is not a rant - I just think that all women should be able to access a pap test as it is an excellent diagnostic tool which can pick up abnormalities before they become serious.
Changes to the cervix initially give very few symptoms. A huge number of cases including mine are caused by early exposure to the human papiloma virus caused by unprotected sex.
Many women in menopause embark on a new relationship and often are not completely aware of their partner's history. It only takes one unprotected encounter to get the virus.
The virus can cause genital warts - other than that it does little in the early stages. Later a woman suffers discharge and an inflamed cervix.
After cervical cancer has established itself - bleeding after sex is the most common symptom.
Many older women have an immunity to the virus but it pays to be vigilant and examine any new guy for cauliflower warts on his manhood.
Also I recommend insisting on your doctor continuing with your pap tests - it just might save your life like it did mine.
Jacks