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Hmmm my GYN doesn’t even use the term Virgin for exactly this reason. Just because you haven’t had penetrative intercourse doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still get your cervix checked. Especially over 25
Chief
Exactly. It’s to check for cancer which has nothing to do with being a virgin.
Rising Star
Pardon ne, but what kind of weird ass doc are you seeing?! Gay girl - gold star at that - and in my 45 years I've always been encouraged to have all routine gyn screenings. Hell, I had surgery a couple years ago and even with my wife with me, they still made me pee in a cup to confirm I wasn't pregnant before sending me into surgery
Who told you this? I have never had a doctor ask me about my virginal status before doing a medical check. I have had them ask if I was sexually active or if I might be pregnant, but never specifically if I was a virgin or had an intact hymen. Is this for paperwork at a new doctor?
Rising Star
I would ask "so I never will need a pap smear"? Get them to rethink their logic and assumptions.
Like this! Will ask!
Chief
Who said this? Medical professionals or just other women?
Pelvic ultrasounds are EXTREMELY COMMON in many other parts of the world. That’s how they defect early cervix cancer or PCOS in young patients, including teenagers etc. switch doctors !
Rising Star
I’ve literally never had a gyn ask me if I’ve had penetrative intercourse before deciding if I need routine medical care. When I was a teenager they asked if I was sexually active and nothing more than that. While PIV sex can increase risk for cervical cancer, not have penetrative intercourse doesn’t make someone no risk. They still need regular screenings. That being said, ultrasounds are not routine except during pregnancy.
Pro
Who is this quack of a doctor
Btw… this is not a “silly” question. Don’t be afraid to ask here if you are uncomfortable with your health care professionals or family members.
I had my first Pap smear as a teen before becoming sexually active. I needed an intravaginal/pelvic ultrasound to confirm my PCOS diagnosis as well. There’s no reason why you can’t have it done.
Also, if you have to stay with this doc and practice for whatever reason, why not just lie about your “virginity”? 🤷🏻♀️
I've had a pap and ultrasound before having penatrative sex as well.
To be honest, the doctors were kind of annoyed/distressed because it was more awkward and uncomfortable for me but like, they still did it and didn't suggest I avoid getting the procedures.
Are you from a state or country that has real antiquated women’s health beliefs?
Wow. Does this doctor practice in an institution that focuses on faith- or belief-based care? This feels like “we won’t do this because we don’t want them to be “ruined”” vibes.
Chief
This is not at all a normal consideration. I had a pap before losing my virginity. This wasn't even part off the discussion, and it was over 15 years ago.
Is your doctor a man?
Don’t see how this is relevant. Women can be just as ignorant and heteronormative in their attitudes and assumptions.
Yo that’s so messed up they told you that
Pro
If the hymen is intact, it will be visible externally to a qualified provider and you wouldn’t want to have any further invasive vaginal tests which could potentially rupture it: it would be painful and unnecessary.
I’m sorry - what? Cervical cancer can happen to anyone and it doesn’t matter if your hymen is intact or not.
Pro
Umm, are you in Utah or Texas OP?
That said, most cervical cancers are due to HPV so maybe they consider your risk low enough you don’t need the test?
This is not true. Additionally, “medical virginity” doesn’t have a real definition. The hymen can be broken in ways other than penetrative sex and, since it is an opening and not a seal, it can remain unbroken with gentle penetrative sex. You are unlikely to bleed at all from a Pap smear, though it may be briefly uncomfortable. Also, please ask your doctor if you should get one. If you are not having penetrative sex they are likely to recommend less frequent testing than if you were having hetero sex, but cervical cancer is still possible
I had a well woman exam multiple times before I had my first partner. You can try to educate this one, but I would just find another. What’s she going to do if you and a female partner want to have a baby? Clutch her pearls and refuse to be part of the process? Refuse to do an ultrasound for your pregnancy?