What's your excuse?
There are many reasons why you might be avoiding or delaying your visit to your gynecologist. These reasons may vary depending on where you live, your age group, or your financial situation and can include everything from extreme fear, to lack of insurance.
These reasons are a reality for many women across the world, but there are ways to work around them so you are sure to get your annual gynecologic exam.
I missed my exam because...
I forgot.
I don't have insurance.
Doctors and hospitals make me nervous.
I am too old or too young.
It will hurt.
I am afraid to hear the results of the exam.
I forgot.
With job and family responsibilities, it's sometimes easy to forget about visiting your gynecologist for your annual exam. Women can't depend on their doctor to remind them when their annual exam is due, and that is why it is very important to take action and be an advocate for your health and well-being — especially with such an important doctor’s visit.
Here's how you can remember.
We encourage you to schedule your annual visit during a memorable time of the year; some women use their birthday, their child's birthday or an anniversary as an annual reminder. Need a friendly nudge to schedule your annual gynecologic visit? Sign-up now for our email reminder to help make sure you never miss your annual exam again. Make the promise to take care of yourself. Do it for yourself and the people you love.
I don't have insurance.
While lack of insurance is a major barrier to healthcare access, even having insurance does not guarantee access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare. Although men and women have some similar challenges with regard to health insurance, women have greater difficulty affording healthcare services even once they are insured.1 Not having adequate healthcare coverage is a very real concern for some women and can be a major roadblock to preventative screenings and exams, including your annual gynecologic visit.
Here's how to get an annual exam, no matter what.
There are many low cost/no cost clinics that offer annual exams, including Pap tests, regardless of income. Many of these organizations just ask for a small donation in lieu of payment. In fact, many doctors waive the office visit fee for uninsured women for a Pap test. Check with your local Planned Parenthood, health department, family practice, or OB/GYN for more information.
You may also be able to get a free or low-cost Pap test through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To find out if you qualify, contact your local program or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
If you can't afford an annual gynecologic exam, make the promise to look into your options so you can be proactive in taking care of yourself. Do it for yourself and the people you love.
Doctors and hospitals make me nervous.
People who are unsure of healthcare systems are more likely to postpone treatment or ignore recommendations, potentially hurting their own health and raising overall health care costs. You may be unnerved by doctors for many different reasons, maybe how you were raised or because of a bad experience in the past. These are very real concerns and common for women, especially when dealing with such a personal part of your body. All of these fears can affect decisions about taking care of your health and may stop you from visiting the OB/GYN altogether.
Here's how to build trust.
The most important way to move past your uncertainty of the medical community is to find a doctor, a practice and/or a hospital that you are comfortable with. Having someone that makes you feel at ease and that you feel comfortable talking to is critical for sharing information and helping you stay in good health.
You have to be an advocate for your own health, so don't be afraid to ask questions and work together with your physician to make the best decisions for your well being. Thinking ahead of time about what questions you might have for your doctor and preparing to discuss any health issues or concerns will help you make the most of your visit. Download our “Being your own health advocate – preparing for your annual exam” to help you think about the topics you may want to discuss with your doctor.
Not sure where to find a good doctor? Ask friends and family for recommendations. Make the promise to see a doctor and ask about scheduling your annual gynecologic visit. Do it for yourself and the people you love.
I am too old or too young to have an annual exam.
Many women have the misconception that they don't need an annual exam or a Pap test because they are too old. But it is very important for you to continue getting an annual exam — even if you think you are past the age of having children, or are not having sexual intercourse anymore.
Just as many women think they are too old for an annual exam or Pap test, many women think they are too young. It is a common misconception that women should start having an annual gynecologic exam in their late 20's and 30's.
Know the facts.
Regular annual gynecologic exams give your doctor the opportunity to give you an overall check-up which may include a general physical exam, a breast exam, a review and update of your health history, medication refills and a pelvic exam, which may include a Pap test.
Routine Pap testing has been shown to decrease the incidence of cervical cancer. Depending on your age, gynecologic history and other risk factors your doctor may administer your Pap test more or less frequently than once a year. Learn more about the guideline for Pap tests.
It will hurt.
While most women probably know that visiting their gynecologist is important, they may avoid or delay going to the doctor’s office due to the discomfort associated with the exam.
Here's how to take the pain out of your exam.
Some women can find the intrusion of the scope uncomfortable, perhaps even a little painful. What's most important is to relax - relax your muscles, distract your thoughts. It is a very quick exam that will only take a few seconds and will be over before you know it! Having a Pap test is one of the most important things a woman can do to stay healthy, so even though it may be a few moments of discomfort, it is worth it for you to go to this exam.
Some women treat themselves to something special after having their annual gynecologic exam as a reward for getting through it. So think about treating yourself to something small, like a latte or something big, like a massage — if it helps get you to your annual exam, it's worth it!
I am afraid to hear the results of my gynecologic exam.
Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. However, in the past 40 years, the number of cases of cervical cancer and the number of deaths from cervical cancer have decreased significantly. This decline is largely due to the result of many women getting regular Pap tests, which can find cervical precancer before it turns into cancer.2
Here's how to face your fear.
Fear of finding out the results of your test is totally normal. But there are some things you should know before you give in to your fears. If there is an abnormality found during your test, most of the time, it is not cervical cancer. Most abnormalities are due to an infection or inflammation, which can be easily treated. But if pre-cancerous cells are present, then it's best to detect them and treat them as early as possible.
Embrace the power that you do have, face your fear and get screened on a regular basis. It could save your life!
2 National Institutes of Health. Cervical Cancer. NIH Consensus Statement
