Fun fact: When she first started HANX, co-founder Sarah Welsh, Ph.D., described herself as “a girl who stares at vaginas all day.” Professionally speaking, she's really seen all things front-bottoming thanks to her many years working in NHS maternity and obstetrics. This is very useful when taking a practical approach to big topics.
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Week focuses on increasing awareness and uptake of cervical screening. 1 in 3 people with vaginas do not attend smear test (Also called a Pap smear in the US) if requested. The product is currently available to anyone with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 in the UK.
Have you never had a cervical screening test before? It's been a while? Let Dr. Sarah take a burden off your mind. Here are 8 things you shouldn't worry about, from the vagina girl herself.
1. Wear pretty underwear
Keep Agent Provocateur in your bedroom. From comfy granny to Victoria's Secret thongs, oh my god, all my other panties are washable, so you don't have to worry about what underwear to wear to your appointment. In fact, you won't even be able to take a peek at your chosen outfit by taking off your pants and stepping behind the curtain to make yourself comfortable before the smear test begins.
2. Waxing/Shaving
Natural scenery, landing strip or Hollywood: it's your choice. Remember, it's not just for cosmetic purposes. Pubic hair is basically a natural lubricant that helps to relieve friction during skin contact. It also protects against bacteria, absorbs sweat, and is definitely not unhygienic if washed frequently. Whether you decide to embrace the bush, do a little maintenance, or go as smoothly as a seal, we don't judge. And we saw it all!
3. Acne on the body
Don't let stains stop you. From ingrown hairs to razor burns to the odd pimple or body acne, these things shouldn't stop you from attending your appointment. The average medical professional has seen some pretty wild things in their time (just ask them about the most unusual things they've found in their vaginas), so your skin condition won't put you off getting the best smear test possible.
4. Your body type
Body image can affect everything from your sex drive to your mental health to attending important medical appointments. Jo Cervical Cancer Trust Research 50% of young women surveyed said they were embarrassed to attend because of their weight or body shape. This cannot be overemphasized. Cervical screening saves lives. Your healthcare professional is interested in performing the test and obtaining the best possible sample to test, not your body type.
5. Body odor
The same survey found that 54% were concerned about whether their vaginal odor was ‘normal’. The simple answer is: don't do that. Long form answer: With the myth of the 'perfect vagina' (see below) coupled with misogynistic jokes about questionable vaginas galore, it's no surprise that people are concerned about body odor. In general, vaginal odor tends to have a mild musky odor and, depending on the pH balance, may be slightly pungent or sweaty. If you have a strong, foul or unusual odor, contact your GP or healthcare professional who can work with you to find out what is going on. During your appointment, we will help you if you notice any symptoms that may indicate a yeast infection, such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis (which may have a fishy odor), or other unusual symptoms. It's not a big deal.
6. Stretch marks
Stretch marks are dimpled lines on the skin that can appear purple, red, or brown depending on skin color, and are caused by rapid stretching or shrinking of the skin. Hormonal changes, medication, pubertal growth, weight loss or gain, especially during pregnancy or postpartum, may cause the appearance of so-called 'tiger stripes'. Tabloid culture, especially in the 2000s, encouraged stigmatization of appearance, but there is nothing strange about having that appearance. In fact, most of us do that at some point in our lives!
7. Appearance of labia
There is enough material to write an entire book on vulva shaming (in fact, we were once asked to do so!). It starts with the labia, aka the skin folds or ‘lips’ where the skin is folded on the outside of the genitals. The purpose of this product is very important. It protects the vaginal and urethral openings from bacteria, friction, and dryness. However, they do not receive the love they deserve and are often shamed and stigmatized. Prevalent Attitudes About What Makes a ‘Pretty Vagina’ (See: Can We Teach?) Everyone How to use correct terminology from a young age? This, combined with the 'neat' and perfectly symmetrical vulvas seen in pornography, has created a false narrative about our bodies. Take a trip to London vagina museum Learn more about the diversity of the vulva or discover the work of British artist Lydia Reeves. vulva casting, capturing the incredibly wide and beautiful spectrum of the vulva. Yes, it's time to love the unique glory of your labia.
8. Be nervous
Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about what to expect. They will go through the process with you and put your mind at ease. Also check out TikTok, which has a lot of people. share their experiences and please help me understand it. If you're feeling anxious or have a family member/friend who has experienced cervical cancer, you'll often be tempted to get tested earlier than you're invited (in the UK it starts at age 25). However, this will not help unless you have symptoms. Cervical screening in younger people is more likely to detect normal cell changes, which may lead to unnecessary treatment without changing the number of cancer cases. It is very rare for cervical cancer to occur in people under 25 years of age.
Do you want more?
- we signed up Jo's Trust's Time to Test campaign, which aims to fit appointments into work life, one of the main barriers to accessing smear tests. three8% of women and other people with a cervix were unable to conveniently make an appointment the last time they tried to do so. We are committed to providing time flexibility so you can receive your important cervical screening during working hours. find a way You can set this up at your workplace too.
- From abnormal results to treatment: learn more from us. A must-know guide Even cervical cancer.