I heard this... Is there any validity to it?

[dinapooh2]

OK--Stupid Question Time.... I don't remember where I heard this, but... I heard somewhere that you shouldn't have sex for three days before your yearly checkup, because it could alter your pH level and give inaccurate results on your pap smear. Is this true?

[PreemiesPooh]

I have never heard of this but it might make sense.

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[KJBBDOLL]

I think that i have heard this too but it may just be an ol wives tale. :confused: I will be interested to see what the correct answer is. :)

[PreemiesPooh]

Me too! I would like to know the answer!

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Sandra, :ivy:
Mommy to Michael, my little firefighter :fire: and partner to Timothy, my Irish rose :lepre:

For Michael's preemie pics Click here (http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/t/tigerpup)
Click here (http://www.babyuniversity.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=196) to :read: My Parenting Journal

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Rainy Day Activities Board (http://www.babyuniversity.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45)
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[Liz&NicksMom]

Wow that is a good question

[Nikki820]

24 hours before.... Sperm can interfere with picking up abnormal cells on a pap smear and can be mistaken for.....if I am not mistaken....

[LittleBit]

Ok, not my forum but I will answer the best I can. When I was working in the Army family practice clinic we did ask patients to abstain from Sexual Intercourse, and Douching for 48 hours prior to a Pap smear.

Either one of them can throw off your pap smear results, although not working in a lab, I'm not sure how. It was actually kind of funny because I was in Germany, and we had to specify Internal Douching, because they call a Shower a Douche...

[KimmerRN]

:yup: Yep, it's VERY true. I actually asked my OB/GYN this one. Not a dumb question at all!

You should not have sexual intercourse or use a douche or any other specialized femine hygiene products within 48 hrs. of your appointment. The reason: These products - as well as intercourse can damage or alter your cervical cells, causing an inaccurate result to your pap. No fun!

I know it kinda stinks having to abstain for 48 hrs., but I'd rather have to do that then put up with a false positive result on my pap.

[KJBBDOLL]

Thanks for the answer! I thought it was true but not actually totally sure. ;)

[MysteriousOne]

Hey I knew that answer :D
Even the douching part :D

[dinapooh2]

:tup: Well, now we know! :lol:

[Liz&NicksMom]

Seeyou learn something new every day :D

[lvissers]

I have never heard this before. You might call your doctor and ask.