When I dated a medical student in the eighties she said there were very judgmental attitudes about cervical cancer taught at the medical school. That it was seen as basically an STD. I wonder how much that attitude has changed.
HPV causes many of the cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year, and HPV is a sexually-transmitted infection (STI being the term of art now; STD isn't used anymore). That said, you only need to have sex once to be its lucky recipient, and there are plenty of cases of cervical cancer that can't be traced to an HPV infection.
I don't think the basic attitude of the medical establishment about women who develop cervical cancer is "what a slut!". At least I've never heard anything even remotely judgmental directed at women with HPV, and they are legion; almost all my patients have "abnormal Pap" in their medical history.
Edited: wow, the dildocam was WAY more painful than any spec exam I've ever had. I must have had a very ungentle tech or something.
The first time I got the dildocam, I almost wanted to cry just from the relief.
I've never had the pleasure. Um.
But once I had an OB give me a child-sized speculum, which made me all o.O because of the *need* for child-sized speculums, first, and also, that's the solution for me? It helped, though.
My first OB/GYN appointment (in my life) was way before I was ever sexually active; I was just old enough that it seemed prudent to make sure everything was working right. (Plus, I was old enough that becoming sexually active seemed imminent. [It wasn't.])
So I told the OB/GYN I was a virgin, and could she please use the smallest speculum. It was teeny, and plastic, so the AIIIEEEEE COLD SPECULUM!!!!! issue was nonexistent.
So when I "graduated" (as it were) to needing a larger speculum, it was metal, and I *so* hadn't thought about the temperature factor. Jesus! I'm surprised I didn't send that thing across the room.
last time I asked for sti screening my GP got all judgy but it's such a pain in the butt switching doctors with my insurance I just roll my eyes after I leave her office.
But once I had an OB give me a child-sized speculum, which made me all o.O because of the *need* for child-sized speculums, first, and also, that's the solution for me? It helped, though.
See, and I've read (on the internet, so you KNOW it's true!) that the "child-sized speculum" doesn't actually exist, and doctors just say they're using a smaller one so that the patient will relax.
How far are you now? Have you gotten to the most confusing chapter ever (i.e., the one where you see what The Plan was)?
I haven't gotten there yet, alas. I probably will soon, though.
Also, I too adore L beyond the telling of it.
last time I asked for sti screening my GP got all judgy
Heh. The last time *I* asked for one, the gyn was kinda like "uh, lesbian still right?" and I was like "yeah, but they CAN still get diseases!" and she was like "Uh, sure, ok..." all "Crazy lady...."
Which is funny, but kinda unhelpful in a "lesbians should actually still be encouraged to get screened because though they are at lower risk they are still at risk" way...
See, and I've read (on the internet, so you KNOW it's true!) that the "child-sized speculum" doesn't actually exist, and doctors just say they're using a smaller one so that the patient will relax.
Huh. That could be totally true. I am way gullible most of the time. Power of suggestion, baby!
