Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

We are going to be TTC yet. Due to insurance craziness -- I haven't been in for an annual this year with my doctor.

Is there any reason why I absolutely should get in for a check up, pap, etc. etc. before I get pregnant?

I don't think anything's wrong or anything...

Just wondering.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

No real reason unless you think there may be some issues. If not, just go for it. When you get pg, they do a full exam and pap anyway.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Yep. I agree with the PP. Unless you have known issues that may interfere with TTC then there really isnt a need. Once you're pregnant they do a full work up. GL

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

I would definitely get an exam done before you go ahead and TTC.

You need a pap and a breast exam before getting pregnant because if there are any issues you need to take care of it before.

I am surprised all of the previous posters said the opposite. You can find out if there are any issues ahead of time to help you along your way especially of you haven't had an exam in a while.

Message edited 5/23/2011 3:21:34 PM.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

I agree with Blu-ize.

If you have any issues, and you don't get an exam until you are already pregnant, you may be stuck with a terrible decision... wait for treatment until after the baby is born, potentially putting your health at risk, or undergo treatment while pregnant, possibly putting the baby at risk.

If it has been over a year since you have had an annual, I would want to get checked out first. JMO... and I have had experiences with pre-cancerous cells and abnormal pap results, all of which was dealt with prior to me TTC.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

I always go for a physical and a gyn visit and even a dermatologist and dentist visit before TTC (I have 2 now) for exactly the reason the other said. If there is anything - even as minor as a filing or an abnormal mole - I want everything taken care of prior to TTC so I don't have to do anything questionable while pregnant or nursing. This is coming from someone who has never had an abnormal pap or any serious health issues so, I don't think you just thinking nothing is wrong means there isn't even something minor. You don't want to have to worry about anything unnecessary when you are pg! What is the harm in going? I'm assuming your insurance is straightened out now if you are thinking of TTC?

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Let me put it to you this way- before I got preggo at 35 I hadn't been to the gyno in like 15 years.


Got preggo on the first try.

Went to the dr when the time came and "confessed" to him my sin.

He said to me- don't worry. You are on the right track now and you not comign for this long will not affect your pregnancy.

I went on to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. So you missing one yearly visit shouldn't be bad compared to that!

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

i cant believe some of the responses !!!
my aunt didnt go to a gyn for 10 years as well and had no clue she had cervical cancer.. something that is curable but she died a few years after her diagnosis bc it had spread so much- so please dont take the advice that its OK not to go.

definitely go for ur annunal. they will NOT do another pap if u had one within the year (if u are pregnant within that year)
trust me when u are pregnant u dont want anyone doing any tests up there.

tbh some people have hpv without knowing they ahve it.. u may have had normal paps for 10 years and been with the same partner for the same time but hpv is dormant and may or may not show up during a pap - it only shows up when its in its active state.
if u have it active wouldnt u want to have it taken care of?

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Let me just add that if you havent been to the gyno in over 10 years then of course you should do that before TTC. Granted, you should go yearly BUT I dont think one year compared to 10 years is that big of a deal. Its been one year since I went to the gyno. I got preggo and my gyno said nothing about it being bad I didnt have a pap before getting pregnant.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

Re: Not sure where to put this -- a doctor question.

- If for no other reason, go to your ob/gyn so you can be prescribed pre-natal vitamins
- The health insurance issues you mentioned may be no big deal now, but you may want them to be 100% straightened out before you become pregnant.