The Strap Saver
  • Home
  • About Us
  • News
  • Shop
  • Cart
  • Menu Menu

A Look Back: Happy Valentine’s Day to my Lady Parts

March 3, 2019/in Body Image, Friends, Health, Victoria

We’re happy to introduce Victoria, our newest guest blogger. She follows our usual form of sarcasm topped with an important message!

There’s a certain stigma when it comes to talking about sexual health. While it’s really no one’s business, it could prompt judgement and assumptions on how sexually active (or inactive) you are or how you practice safe sex. I’ve had HPV once in my past life and it was treated as ‘no big deal’ by my gynecologist – disappearing like a common cold after another routine visit. It was after the second time, when additional biopsies were required, that I realized this was much more serious. I wasn’t sure how to talk about it with those I care about most.*

The first common misconception I realized is that transmitting HPV was possible even in cases where you use a condom. In fact, HPV infections are so common that nearly all men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. The scary part is that there can be no symptoms and men can be carriers as well. (of course, another burden on women to regularly check for this as men currently cannot be tested!) 

Corsets are now optional, Your Health is Not

When my regular pap came back as abnormal, a colposcopy biopsy, cervical biopsy, and endometrial biopsy were required. (I’ll spare the details, google if you dare!) The results of the cervical biopsy showed evidence of grade 2/3 dysplasia cells that could lead to cervical cancer if left unattended. A LEEP procedure was scheduled to remove those unruly bastards on the day after Valentine’s Day. (Don’t forget a “get well enough to have sex again soon” card with my flowers!)

I would also need the endometrial biopsy while under anesthesia for the LEEP. My gynecologist was unable to get an adequate cell sample during the original colposcopy as I was screaming in pain. (There is a wide range of pain tolerance for women when it comes to these biopsies, so if you’re not as lucky to have a kind and understanding doctor as myself, do yourself a favor and find a new doctor!)

Being past of age of eligibility for the HPV vaccine, things started to feel a bit scarier. I analyzed all the extreme cases (please just leave me my precious ovaries!). It wasn’t so much about the idea of being unable to have kids, but the heightened awareness of feeling older, like I was falling apart. On my way to the pharmacy to pick up a pill in preparation for surgery, I was amused when dodging in between the men and women rushing to buy beautiful bouquets to bring home to their lovers when ironically, all I could think about was what my lady parts would be encountering.

Enduring Cupid’s Scalpel

As the anticipated day arrived, I was anxious about every scenario that could pop up in my head. This was my first time getting “surgery”, so much of this was uncharted territory for me. As I confided in the nurse putting in my IV, she said to me, “You’re still young, It is scary… just wait until you get older and the health issues become things you have no control over”. My mind then quickly raced with thoughts about hysterectomies, miscarriages, breast cancer… the harsh reality about all the hardships women face on top of a unforgiving healthcare system. 

Once I reached the anesthesiologist, my answer to ‘how are you doing?’ quickly became ‘terrified’. He had a warm smile and chuckled ‘fair enough’ in response. He kindly explained what would happen next, putting me at ease, knowing the worst I’d encounter is the world’s best nap. The last interaction I remember was the mask over my face, and laughing at what was probably not even a remotely funny joke. 

The great news is the results came back, and there were no further issues! The abnormal cells were limited to a small area that were removed during the LEEP. The endometrial biopsy was negative. The worse has been feeling like I have an itch that I can’t scratch and mild PMS cramps that a quick Aleve can solve. 

Invest in Your Sexual Health

So why did I feel compelled to share this experience? Well, for one, Shari and The Strap Saver have been BIG supporters of women’s health and cancer research. Shari has always inspired me to make my health a priority and be kind to myself (and I mean, this is American health care… prevention is the name of the game). But, by no means is my story anything spectacular or heroic compared to what many women have gone through. I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to take preventive measures, as many women cannot afford that chance.

There’s still a stigma around women’s sexual health… you don’t need to make an apology or confession, it’s about fostering open communication for encouraging support in each other’s health and well being. And I’m certainly no expert.. do you research! Women’s health will continue to be an important topic and we need to ignore the stigma, the judgement, and continue to support each other however we can. 

* I know I have the love and support of my partner and close friends. For the record, they are the least judgmental people I know. It’s my own silly insecurities sometimes that get in the way.❤️ 

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://www.thestrapsaver.com/wp-content/uploads/WomensHealth.jpg 591 1024 Shari Deutsch https://www.thestrapsaver.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-placeholder-300x138.png Shari Deutsch2019-03-03 15:36:322020-12-12 18:55:49A Look Back: Happy Valentine’s Day to my Lady Parts
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Looking for something?

Recent Posts

  • All the Maths!
  • Wait a minute Mister Postman!
  • New Year New Us!
  • Past Time For An Update
  • A Look Back: Happy Valentine’s Day to my Lady Parts

Categories

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Customer Support

How-To Videos
Account
Gift Certificates
Return Policy
FAQ

SHOP NOW

Get in touch

Contact Us

CALL OR TEXT
914-BOOB FIX (914-266-2349)

ADDRESS

PO Box 81
Englishtown, NJ 07726

Download Our Press Kit

Press Kit (PDF)

Follow Us on Social

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Cart Go to your cart

© 2022 The Strap Saver | All Rights Reserved
Privacy & Cookie Policy

Please, Please Tell Me Now!a girl with a computer sitting on a blue chair looking at 5 yellow stars and the text: let us know what you thinka figure of a woman balancing on a pyramid with the text finidng balancePast Time For An Update
Scroll to top

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.

AcceptRead More

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Accept settingsHide notification only