I Missed My Gynecologist Exam Because...

on January 23, 2010 at 8:00 AM

Many women use every excuse in the book to avoid or delay their regular OB/GYN visits. (Even I, ahem, have been known to do this.) That's exactly why, in honor of January's National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Promise to Me launched to remind and encourage women to schedule their annual gynecological exams.

Just visit the site to schedule an annual exam reminder—it takes less than 30 seconds. And there's an added bonus for signing up...

For each "promise" that is made and each friend the message is passed to, Hologic, a leader in women's health care, will donate $1 to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition to fund cervical cancer screenings for uninsured women.

Have you ever avoided or delayed your annual exam? What was your excuse?

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About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: cancer, general health, healthy habits, medical tests, obgyn

Comments (7)

GoodMomma24-7

on Jan 23, 2010 at 6:38 PM

I won't make an excuse - I'll just straight up say, I don't wanna go....LOL!

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Pishyah

on Jan 23, 2010 at 7:27 PM

Wasn't there a study recently that showed that it does more damage than good for younger women? Or am I mixing things up? I just don't go. There's no reason for me to go if I don't want to, no one to make excuses to, I just don't make an appointment. : D

ethans_momma06

on Jan 23, 2010 at 7:45 PM

Perhaps I am going to sound horrible here but...I have never been! I am on my second pregnancy and still don't have any plans to visit a gyno in the near future.

Cafe Jenn

on Jan 25, 2010 at 12:49 PM

We moved several times when we were first married and I skipped finding a gyno because I didn't know any. When I got pregnant with my first son, I really liked my ob/gyn, then we switched insurance companies. I found a new one when I got pregnant with my second son, then we moved again. I was considering not going this year because we switched insurance again and my ob wasn't covered but luckily we switch to another insurance Feb 1 and my ob is covered on the new insurance, so I will be keeping my appointment. It's not my favorite place to go but I really like the nurse practitioner that I see and that makes a huge difference, I think.

AgentBrez

on Jan 25, 2010 at 5:42 PM

ive been pretty good about going - until now. i think itll be 2 yrs this May since ive gone. i guess i dont want to deal with finding someone to watch my kids and finding a Dr. we relocated in July 08 and i havent gotten around to finding a GYN and luckily i havent needed one for any problems.

momof2andonly2

on Feb 15, 2010 at 11:41 PM

I just don't feel comfortable seeing one and what goes on during the procedure. I must have been to a gyno maybe twice, if I am not mistaken. I can't even make myself an appointment to go see one. I know that we women should be getting checked out but I just can't do it.

Kim370

on Feb 24, 2010 at 5:46 PM

I have not had an exam for 2 years because I have no health insurance. I am trying to find out if there are women's clinics that provide exams at an affordable price. Where can I get information or what sources can provide me with the correct information.

Thank you!