When I went to get my bc they had me do a test for a few stds since I'm not old enough for a pap. Anyone that's ever had that done know how long it takes to get the results back?
Also how long does it take for TriCare to approve bc? 

Meh. I think it's pretty "common" for your doc to run an STD test w/ a pap. My doc usually does. & I'm married & monogamous. 

Well what is the age for Paps? I thought that when you started having intercourse you could start having them done, maybe even before. Am I wrong? 

Ok I looked it up and it's 21 and it doesn't matter if you are sexually active. 

They won't do one on me until I'm 21. I thought it was when you've been sexually active for at least 3 years you needed one. Oh and I know it's normal, I'm just getting nervous about getting the iud put in and just wanting to get it over with lol. 

Wow, 21. Thats outrageous. Insurance companies looking to save money. You should get a pap once you are sexually active. 

I don't understand why paps are not given prior to age 21 anymore. I had my first one at 17 right after my now husband and I began having sex. When I was a teenager my doctor would take a moment alone every so often to ask if I was sexually active yet because that needed to be done as soon as I was.

As far as length of time to get it back I believe it is usually around a week (HIV might be longer) but they usually do not call you with the results assuming it is normal. I've never had to wait for Tricare to approve birth control, I just took my script to the pharmacy. 

Wow 21 really. I got my first one at like 15 or 16 when I started taking birth control. Well I should say my doctor required it if I wanted birth control which I needed to help control my headaches and cramps. 

but they usually do not call you with the results assuming it is normal. I've never had to wait for Tricare to approve birth control, I just took my script to the pharmacy.


I have to wait for the results so I can make my next appointment and TriCare has to approve it because it's an IUD.
They won't put it in if the results are positive. 

And I think it's so stupid that they won't do one until I'm 21. My mom had cervical cancer, and I'd really like to be getting checked once a year. 

Who told you 21 ears old? 

If there's a family history, they will do them earlier, along with mammograms, if there's a family history of breast cancer. 

Who said 21?? I had one at the NH at 19. I'm now 23 and have had one every year since then? I don't know why they would make you wait if you're sexually active. 

That is so weird, when I was 16 and went in to go get birth control I was given a pap smear. Although, that was on my parents insurance. I always thought they started giving you paps as soon as you became sexually active...or at least they should. 

My daughters all had their first pap when they went in to get on BC for the first time.

They were all around 16 or 17.

21 is a little bit too late, IMO. 

Te guidelines changed in '09. 3 years after you first become sexually active or when you are 21 whichever comes first. Then every 2 or 3 years or so don't remember exactly. 

According to the TriCare website:

Pap Smears

TRICARE covers pelvic examinations in conjunction with Pap smear testing when necessary, or annually beginning at age 18 (or younger, if sexually active), until three consecutive normal Pap smears and then once every three years unless otherwise recommended by the physician. 

If not covered by insurance I would pay for one out of pocket, but that's just me. 

until three consecutive normal Pap smears and then once every three years unless otherwise recommended by the physician.

Wow, hadn't heard that change either. Well, I'm glad that my civilian providers always have me do an annual even though I've been with only one man, married for 11 years, and have no family history of cancer. 

Wow. 21?! I know a girl who had to get a full hysterectomy by 21. Way too late. 

How are you going to endure an IUD placement before a pap? That in its self sounds absurd on both your part and a physicians part.

I've had a few IUD placements and they're still super uncomfortable to be placed. Not mentioning I've had a child and years of paps. 

I will always do an annual pap.. I don't care what anyone says. I've had them done since I was 16 I believe. Cancers and all sorts of things run through my family so I don't take chances with that. Even if I have to switch my insurance to Standard so that I will have an OB who knows what the hell they're talking about.. I'll do that. My SIL didn't have a PAP til she got married because she was a virgin.. which was at the age of 31. I flipped out when I she told me that. I don't know if her infertility has something to do with that or something.. I'm not sure. But I do take my own very seriously. 

Have you had children? I know they dont recommend IUDs for people who have never had children. I would call Tricare and speak to them about the PAP. 

How are you going to endure an IUD placement before a pap? That in its self sounds absurd on both your part and a physicians part.

Are you kidding me? I have a son, also the way they put it in doesn't sound too bad to me after popping out an almost 9lb baby.

Have you had children
Yup :) 

Did they not do a pap on you when you were pregnant? I'm honestly just curious, I don't understand all these changes. 

Did they not do a pap on you when you were pregnant?

Or check for STDs then, or has it been more than a year since your baby was born? 

where did u hear 21 from?
I have had tricare since I was 18 and they've done a pap every year.
I would demand it if I were you.