In this episode, join me as I listen to women share their Pap Smear experiences, ask a whole bunch of questions (What IS a Pap Smear? Does it hurt? Do I need to shave?), schedule my first Pap Smear appointment, and have my first Pap Smear.

Pap Smears

OVERVIEW & BACKGROUND:

In this episode, Sean discusses topics spanning forced sterilization, to the elusive cervix, to HPV vaccines, to Pap Smears, to health insurance, and everything in between (okay, maybe not everything).

When I first began this crazy journey into podcasting, I was both nervous and excited by the idea of interviewing people. I reached out to a local Planned Parenthood in the hope that a representative would be willing to speak with me about Pap Smears. I thought it was beyond a long shot, but sure enough, I heard back from Sean, the medical director himself. 

While I have been a long time supporter of Planned Parenthood and the resources it provides women, and all people, this interview was the first time I'd ever visited one. It was a wonderful experience; the staff and space were so welcoming.

The interview took place on a sunny Friday afternoon, and Sean and I sat outside in a little courtyard attached to the Planned Parenthood building. You may notice some background noise on the recording of the interview (adds to the ambiance, am I right) - those are the sounds of 5:30pm at what is basically a 5-way intersection, so thanks for rolling with the added atmosphere. 

The interview was originally done with Gyno Girl's "Pap Smear" episode in mind, but I soon realized that the interview deserved an episode of it's own as well. (Note: you can still hear Sean speak in the Pap Smear episode too!)

FURTHER RESEARCH & RESOURCES: 

Look up some history and data on forced sterilization in your state: https://www.uvm.edu/~lkaelber/eugenics/

More information on No Mas Bebes: http://www.nomasbebesmovie.com/

Planned Parenthood provides health services to all genders. SO, IF YOU HAVEN'T LOOKED INTO GETTING YOUR HPV VACCINE - locate a Planned Parenthood near you at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Interview: Sean (MD at Planned Parenthood)

In this episode, I navigate the process of applying for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. I had the opportunity to speak with women who've already gone through the process of applying and receiving health coverage, and they shared insight from their experiences with me. I also had the opportunity to speak with Martha; when the Affordable Care Act (AFA) was first passed, Martha's job was to help folks navigate applying for health insurance through the AFA.

Want health coverage as early as January 1st, 2017? Apply for health insurance by December 15th! 

Resources: 

Find more information on The Affordable Care Act, and take the first steps to apply for health insurance: https://www.healthcare.gov/

Find local (free) assistance who will help you apply, pick a plan, and enroll: https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#intro

Planned Parenthood is always a great resource when seeking assistance and information: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Applying for Health Insurance & The Affordable Care Act

Featured Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Plastic Glare"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Curious/PlasticGlare

Podington Bear's "Steppin Intro"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Background/SteppinIntro

Podington Bear's "Pong Delight"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Curious/PongDelight

Podington Bear's "Funk"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Dance_1228/Funk

Pills Series: Condoms

Featured Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Dimmy"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Driving/Dimmy

Podington Bear's "Steppin' Intro"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Background/SteppinIntro

Podington Bear's "Icecream Sandwhich"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Bon_Voyage_1995/Ice_Cream_Sandwich_1341

Pills Series: The Patch

Featured Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Steppin Intro"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Background/SteppinIntro

Podington Bear's "Lime Beat"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Backbeat/LimeBeat

Pills Series: Paragard

Featured Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Steppin' Intro"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Background/SteppinIntro

Podington Bear's "Sonstiges"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Backbeat/Sonstiges

Pills Series: Birth Control Pills

Feature Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Dimmy"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Driving/Dimmy

Podington Bear's "Steppin Intro"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Background/SteppinIntro

Podington Bear's "Happytime"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Inspiring/Happytime

Pills Series: The Shot

Featured Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Dimmy"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Driving/Dimmy

Podington Bear's "Steppin Intro"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Background/SteppinIntro

Podington Bear's "Quail and Robot Convo"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Curious/QuailandRobotConvo

Pills Series: NuvaRing

Pills Series: The Implant (Nexplanon)

Pills Series: Mirena

There are so many different birth control and contraception methods available today, which is great - but let's be real,  it can be a tad overwhelming when searching for the method that works best for you. In an effort to give ya'll a place to start from, make the search process easier, or at the very least provide a community of voices so ya'll aren't navigating the search solo - the Pills Series explores different types of birth control and contraception methods in typical Gyno Girl fashion, by talking with a variety of women about their experiences using different methods. So, join the conversation!

Pills Series Teaser

Gyno Girl: Power, Practice, Podcasting

Featured Sounds:

Nick Jaina's "I'll Become Everything"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Nick_Jaina/Primary_Perception_Instrumentals/Ill_Become_Everything

Podington Bear's "Pink Gradient"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Fathomless_-_Ambient/Pink_Gradient

Daniel Martin Moore's "All Ye Tenderhearted"

Social Workers and Women's Health, What?

Featured Sounds:

Podington Bear's "Gentle Heart"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Tender/GentleHeart

Lee Rosevere's "Morning Walk"
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/5_Minute_Meditations/Lee_Rosevere_-_5_Minute_Meditations_-_03_Morning_Walk

The Talk: Mothers and Daughters and Everything In-between

Gyno Girl is a podcast striving to open dialogue on women's health.

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