Are you still calling it a Pap Smear?
Getting to the pointy end of the six month mentoring program on the female microbiome and I've just completed the paediatric module. As you can imagine, working mainly with children and having a tween myself, I've been looking forward to this part of the course!
So many interesting points were made about the environmental and lifestyle factors that upset the vaginal microbiome of children, tweens and teens.
-bath products like bubble baths, bath oils, bath salts and bath bombs! All the things my ten year old loves!
-tight and non-breathable active wear (hello Nike Pro's) or leotards
-even non-breathable school uniforms like tights and shorts
-synthetic underwear as opposed to moisture wicking and breathable fibres like bamboo or cotton
-swimming pools and spas
-not washing new clothing or undies before wearing them the first time
Food for thought!