Visit to the Gynae...

[lc123]

Is there a certain age that you should start visiting the Gynae for the normal check-up's? and is that a once a year visit or more often?

[chicklin]

You are usually advised to go for regular smear tests when you become sexually active.

[ummmm]

It depends who you have sex with!

[marley2000]

i'd like to know this too. i remember my older sis going for smear tests and that must have been when she was in her early twenties. i am now in my early twenties and wonder if i should be going.

[pixie_woo]

As soon as you are sexually active you need to go for a smear test. They are not the most comfortable of experiences but they are vital.
My friend went for a regular test and the test results showed that she had pre-cancerous cells on her cervix. She had to have the outer layer of cells on her cervix removed as a precaution. She was 23. Imagine the consequences if she had not made that intial trip.

[maximo]

What I've heard is, if you're over 25, you should have a smear test every 3 years as long as you are not in the "danger" category (ie: have cases of cancer in your immediate family). My flatmate is 25 and has never had one. I'm trying to convince her! It's really not that bad, and it could save your life. GO!

[maximo]

And please ignore Ummm's comment, It does NOT depend on who you have sex with, or even how often. A smear test is not going to detect most STD's. It will look for pre-cancerous/abnormal cells around the cervix. An "abnormal" smear does NOT mean cancerous though. Don't be afraid, just have it done. We're all the same, and it could save your life.

[ummmm]

No. Do not ignore my comment. If you are in a long term exclusive relationship then you go for the normal checks as mentioned above. If you have had sex with different people then it would be very wise to go more often.