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I'm with Jadzia on this one - cysts, fibriods and tumors can develop without any extrenal symptoms. The pap smear detects signs of cervical changes which can signal the development of cervical cancer. HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer.
For the last year I have had to have paps every 3 months because I had level III dysplaysia( the last step before cervical cancer), and had to have part of my cervix removed with laser surgery . If I had skipped my annual I would most likely have developed cancer by now.
I feel as uncomfortable about breast exams as you do about pelvic exams, but I am very lax about doing them myself, and I am never sure just what it is I am feeling (besides the obvious) but I have the exams because I am rather fond of my breasts and I would hate to lose them.
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Drawing strength from His acceptance, offering all that I am and ever will be
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