The Yearly Female Physical

[Mama2Dane]

I haven't had one since I was 19 (I'm 27 now) and I've only ever been with one sexual partner. I don't seem to have any obvious gynecological issues and I can't really afford an exam anyway... How bad is it that I'm 7 years overdue? I don't think I did too much of that type of testing when I was pregnant with DS, but I'm not sure.

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I don't fully understand all that goes into the pap but I think I would try to get one if I were you (well, I rarely go to the doctor either so I probably WOULDN'T get one - this is one of those do as I say, not as I do moments). 

You can see if your HB MW (if you had an assisted birth?) does well women care. That can be such a nice way to reconnect with your MW. You could also see about Planned Parenthood - they do well women care on a sliding scale. I went to them when I was without insurance and it was free! 100% free! 

One thing - if you get a clear pap, it is no longer recommended that you go every year. It's every two years now, which I like...since yearly things just come around too fast - every.year. 

[Mama2Dane]

I really didn't know that about planned parenthood. That's awesome!

I would love to go to my midwife if I still lived in Michigan. My midwives were fantastic. I haven't had a need to meet any midwives down here yet.
 

Thank you for the advice!

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Also consider your local HB MWs and see if they offer Well Woman care. I did that too once. In fact, the only health care provider I've been to in the last 12 years has been a homebirth MW.   We moved after the birth of my DC as well and I felt I needed to see someone (at about 6 years after the birth of my first child) and just phoned up a local HB MW. She was awesome and it was nice to feel part of that community again, yk? 

[Mama2Dane]

So I have medicaid until the end of the month (cost of sharing was exceeded early this month because of DH needing to go to the ER). I called a nearby birthing center and FINALLY set up an appointment! Thank you for the suggestions! If I didn't have the medicaid, I would've called Planned Parenthood. Without insurance, the monthly exam at the birth center would cost $150, which is kinda crappy for us.
 

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Awesome! 

[phathui5]

The newer recommendation for Paps is that you can get one every three years as long as you've only ever had normal results.

[Mama2Dane]

Originally Posted by phathui5 

The newer recommendation for Paps is that you can get one every three years as long as you've only ever had normal results.

Ooohh, that's interesting! I am so way overdue anyhow, but the only two I've had were both normal. That's really nice to know for next time.

[HiMumumum]

Hey, I just went to my HB MW for well woman care and she told me that if I had normal Pap results, I would be good for another 5 years. I just googled it to check and I saw that the recommendation now is every 3-5 years.