Dear laurab,

Usually, no one — including a gynecologist — can tell if someone masturbates. If a woman masturbates violently and there are tears or bruises, a health care provider might guess that she is masturbating, but this is not usually the case.

A Pap test is used to examine the cells of the cervix in order to detect cancerous or precancerous cells, which are usually symptoms of the human papilloma virus, a very common sexually transmitted infection. It's recommended that girls start getting gynecological (GYN) exams with Pap tests within three years of becoming sexually active, or by the time they're 21 — whichever comes first. If a girl is experiencing gynecological health problems before she becomes sexually active, then it's a good idea to see a health care provider, no matter how old she is.

It is too bad that so many people worry about masturbation. The majority of people masturbate. Women and men masturbate throughout their lives. But because masturbation is so misunderstood, most people who masturbate have unnecessary guilty feelings and shame about it. This shame and guilt can lead to difficulties in a person's sense of self-esteem and in a person's relationships with other people.

To make an appointment for a GYN exam, call 1-800-230-PLAN to find a Planned Parenthood health center near you.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.