When should I start getting Pap smears?
Women should start getting Pap smears at age 21 , and continue to get one every three years until they’re 30. Women 30 to 65 may be able to get screened even less frequently—every three to five years. Women with certain risk factors may need to have more frequent Pap smears, so talk to your […]
Can guys get the HPV vaccine too?
Yes, the CDC recommends that guys under 27 get the HPV vaccine . original post
When should I start going to the gynecologist or a health clinic?
It’s ideal to start visiting a gynecologist before you start having sex . If you don’t have any health problems, these visits just involve talking with your health care provider. All women should start getting Pap smears and pelvic exams beginning at age 21. original post
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean that I have cervical cancer?
An abnormal Pap smear can mean a lot of different things— don’t assume it means you have cancer, do be sure to ask your doctor or nurse to explain the results and the recommended treatment completely. Often your body will heal itself and your next Pap smear will be normal. Sometimes you will need a […]
Is HIV treatable?
HIV is not curable, but it is treatable. If you catch it early, you can take anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) to help suppress the symptoms and reduce the chance of spreading the virus . One more reason to get tested regularly. original post
Should I get tested for STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have some nasty side effects that can range from sores to warts to discharge to pelvic inflammatory disease that can leave some women infertile. If you have sex, it’s a good idea to get tested for the STIs gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV . The test for gonorrhea and chlamydia is really […]
When should I get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is now recommended for people ages 11-26. original post
What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common viruses. There are more than 40 different types (or strains) of it that prefer to hang out around genitalia , including the vagina, penis and around the anus. HPV can live in the mouth or throat and on skin or objects that have recently touched […]
5 myths about getting HIV, busted
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most recently discovered viruses in the world, and we’ve learned a lot about it in the last 30 years. In that time, we’ve developed treatments that allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives . Unfortunately, back when the virus was still new and misunderstood, […]
Getting to know Aunt Flo: Apps for tracking your period
By Elana Tsogt-Erdene. What started off as a way for me to keep track of my period has become much more than an organizational tool. By using a period tracking app, I’ve learned more about my body, my reproductive health, and the impact my cycle has on my mood and other parts of my life. […]
