Being too scrupulous about your intimate hygiene before an appointment may distort Pap smear results and cause diagnostic errors. During the exam, the doctor pays attention to the nature, colour, smell, and amount of vaginal discharge, among other things. Changes in these parameters can be indicative of a disease.
This doesn't mean that you should give up personal hygiene at all. Prior to an appointment, it is recommended that you wash your external genitals with warm water. You can use a gentle product suitable for intimate hygiene, but not a harsh soap because it can affect the vaginal pH and distort test results.
YOU ARE READING
Girl To Girl: Vol. 2
RandomHealth and Wellness, acne, pregnancy, periods, sex, period sex, STIs & STDs, and so much more! If you haven't already, check out the first Girl To Girl book for 200 chapters covering topics from how to deal with acne scars, what the colour or smell...
