Parental knowledge for pap smear?

I know you can go to Planned Parenthood. You could probably go to your regular doctor without them telling your parents (call them and ask), but they will find out if you use your insurance.

Dude, I was just at where you are now. But I decided it was best to tell my mum. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Maybe bring something else up first, have a conversation, then drop the bomb, as lightly as you can. She’ll understand. You are 17, after all.

edit :: actually yeah, @augustlan, I never thought about it that way. Getting one doesn’t necessarily mean… dammit. I should have said that :P nah. I’m kinda glad she knows now.

Try Planned Parenthood. On the other hand, getting a pap smear is a normal thing to do at your age, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t know about it. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sexually active, just taking good care of yourself.

augustIan is right. Getting a pap smear is the smart, responsible thing to start doing at your age, regardless of whether or not you’re sexually active. But yes, try Planned Parenthood.

Pap smears primarily screen for cervical cancer and are not reliable for STDs. If you believe you may have been exposed to an STD, then you should go to Planned Parenthood. Once you turn 18, your parents will no longer have access to your medical records, even though you may still be covered by their insurance if you are a full time student. If you are going away to college, now is a good time to get a physical, and get the shots you need. Have you been vaccinated for HPV or menningitis? Many universities require students living in dorms to be vaccinated for menningitis.

We talked about this a couple of months ago, here’s a link that might also help you make the decision that’s best for you;

Pap Smears

Good luck, and I applaud you for taking control of your own physical well being!