How I'm Taking Control of My Health
This post is sponsored by Nurx, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Today, I'm going to digress from my normal posts and share something more personal. You see for some time, I've been at an increased risk for cervical cancer. A few years back I had a cancer scare as I had HPV. It's a scary topic, and something that I'm embarrassed to openly talk about. But since January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share my story here with you -- more so to share awareness. I find it so important to spread awareness on this health issue, and I wanted to share with you what we can do to take control of our health. I also want to change how I feel about certain health issues and stop being embarrassed to discuss them here with you.
When I heard about Nurx's Home HPV test I may have done a happy dance. Why you ask? Because now I can do this test from the convenience of my own home. I'm guilty of sometimes missing my regularly doctor appointments, and now there's no excuse to take control of my health. But I should say, the kit functions as preventative care only, not treatment.
Why HPV Screening is Important to Me
As I mentioned above, I've been at an increased risk for cervical cancer. I developed HPV when I was in my 20's, and had a LEEP {Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure} procedure done. It's a treatment that prevents cervical cancer by using a small electrical wire loop to remove abnormal cells from your cervix. But ever since, I make sure to go to my annual woman's exam and make sure my Pap Smears are good and my results are negative for HPV. Now that this Home HPV test is available, I can do it my preventative care from home.
About Nurx's Home HPV Test
The Home HPV Test is a very easy, simple and convenient test to check your risk for cervical cancer. You'll get the same quality as a pap smear from the convenience of your own home. It's even affordable for those women without insurance at -- $15 with insurance, $69 without insurance (shipping and processing included).
Here’s how the Home HPV Kit works:1. Download the Nurx app or visit Nurx.com2. Answer a few questions about your health and you'll receive a kit straight to your door.3. When you open the kit, you’ll see it includes:- An extra long q-tip- A plastic tube- A plastic bag- A sticker with a barcode- And a prepaid return envelope4. Hold the swab with one hand and insert the swab just like you would with a tampon.5. Gently turn the swab in a circle against the wall of your vagina for 30 seconds.6. Then drop the swab in the tube, and drop it in the bag.
7. Place the bag in the pre-paid envelope, and drop it in the mail!8. Once your sample arrives, you’ll get your results from Nurx's medical team in just a few days.
If your results are negative, this means your risk for cervical cancer is very low and do not need additional testing for another three years.
If your results are positive, this does not mean you have cervical cancer. Nurx's medical team will work closely with you to help figure out the next steps!
Why I love Nurx
Nurx is healthcare company that provides women all over the US access to convenient, affordable and judgement-free healthcare. While Nurx’s services, like the Home HPV Screening Test, are an incredibly convenient option for anyone, Nurx is especially focused on reaching women who lack access to traditional healthcare services – whether they don’t live near a medical clinic, can’t afford health care, or don’t have health insurance. They are working hard to create a better environment for women in regards to their healthcare, and want you to become a part of this movement! Nurx is here to help!