Have You Had Your Crotch Scraped Lately?
It’s September again and that means it’s Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month*!
I’m one of those strange women that actually doesn’t mind going to see the ladymechanic every year. I don’t care if I have a male or female gyno; I have no problems taking off my clothes and baring my bum to the office; it doesn’t even bother me when they squeeze my fibrous boob while asking how my job is going. The only qualms I ever have about being in the stirrups is worrying that I might fart on the doctor when he pushes on my stomach [[it hasn't happened yet]].
Image courtesy of Kay Bomb
I know that makes me some kind of medical freak. But it shouldn’t. I’m not saying that you should throw a party every time you need a crotchscraping, but you shouldn’t dread or fear it, either. While having a tiny melon-baller taken to your cervix may be painful and scary, there are waaaay scarier things that could happen to them. You know what’s scary? Cancer. And tumors. And uterus-melting STDs.
Don’t whine to me that it’s inconvenient, either. I’ve been living in a foreign country with no doctor or health insurance and if I can still get a pap, you can, too. Being in the hospital and hooked up to respirators or having large chunks of your reproductive system removed is inconvenient.
It can’t be stressed enough – go see your gyno. Please. For me? Actually, scratch that. Do it for you. Do it for your loved ones. Catching these things early is absolutely key to optimum health and survivability.
Image courtesy of jennifer I.
Recommended Reading
- Moffitt Cancer Center: Look at the drop-down list for info on different girly cancers
- Gynecologic Cancer Foundation: Articles, support, and activism
- Book of Doctors: Find a gynecologist near you (US)
- CDC – Sexually Transmitted Disease: Tons of info about STDs
*Thanks for the reminder, Ms. Constantine.
Edited: September 14th, 2009