CHECK. YO. VAG.
Your reproductive system is DELICATE AF. Which is why we have products like Vagisil and have to do things like visit GYNAES.
WHEN?
ANNUALLY.
OR
if you suspect something may be wrong even WITHOUT being sexually active
(UTI Cranberry Juice Babes Can I Get An AMEN) / Unusual discharge / Period weirdness – Sudden heavy flow or missed periods or REALLY BAD CRAMPING (like me)
OR
YOU’RE ABOVE 21 YEARS OLD. [SEXUALLY ACTIVE OR NOT]
Detect EVERYTHING early. Prevention is nice but the knowledge of having CURES available trumps all of that.
You will be able to get advice on contraceptive options + protection against STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
This is fucking important because it is on YOU to take care of YOURSELF to be the BEST WOMAN YOU CAN BE.
I think it is crucial to mention that at 24, being as uncertain as I was about the situation (i.e. only having read about it but not having discussed it much with other females) speaks of a bigger problem with awareness. So let’s all start being part of the solution.
(It’s incredible how little I was taught/ given advice about this in school or from family and friends.)
I hit up the Marie Stropes outlet after a killer burger breakfast, and met with Dr Ly, who was more like the epitome of happy dumpling asian mom (ref. BAO 2018) than scary coat lady. (Which is what I feared)
Dr Ly! A bastion of kindness!! Highly recommend!
I got me an ultrasound done because she wanted to make sure I wasn’t pregnant + a pregnancy test (pee!)
Ultrasound! (My womb in all its glory!!)
Then my legs were put in stirrups, and a SPECULUM was inserted. What is a speculum?
Hip speculum image edit to soften the blow when understanding hits you like a truck.
Basically a metallic DUCK BILL stuck into you (I recommend bearing down and deep exhaling when it is being inserted and opened) It helps your gynae look around inside with his/her light, and collect test fluids by swabbing your insides.
THIS IS UNCOMFORTABLE.
YOU’LL BE FINE. SUCK IT UP PLEASE. It just feels like you’ve stuck your tampon in a little too enthusiastically.
I was healthy and ovulating! Confirmed by texture/viscosity and colour of discharge.
They took cells from my CERVIX (i.e. the opening in the picture) with gentle scrapes. <- PAP SMEAR
Next they felt about and looked around for abnormal growths. (NONE! #GoodTimes) Next, CHLAMYDIA TEST. (this was also with a SWAB)
1 LINE = GOOD 2 LINES = AT LEAST NOW YOU KNOW AND CAN GET TREATED.
HERPES + GONORRHEA + HPV + SYPHILIS were also tested for.
But I’d like to say that after the speculum was inserted I was more concentrated on heavy breathing as I was poked and prodded in my nether regions. #RealTalk.
I will be getting my PAP SMEAR results next week, and a translated version of my results as well.
BUT ALL IS CLEAR. NEGATIVES ALL AROUND.
UPDATE!
ALL RESULTS WERE RETURNED AND I’M 100% SEXUALLY HEALTHY!
Ladies, I’d like to just say that we shouldn’t let any stigma shame us into not caring for ourselves and our vaginas.
You don’t have to be sexually active and can still get a UTI.
Even if you trust your current sexual partner, it does not hurt to check for your sake.
(While you’re at it you can make it a date!)
Safe is better than sorry.