Women's Health

Many Women Misunderstand Pap Tests

The Youth Perspective continued...

"While syphilis rates are steady in the U.S., 14.7% of cases are now attributable to oral sex," George says.

"Despite this, many doctors don't ask about oral sex and many often fail to screen for syphilis," she says.

"We need to take a more active role with our young patients, especially in recommending use of latex condoms, even plastic food wrap, when performing oral sex," she says.

James Byrne, MD, chief of obstetrics services at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, Calif., says, "This is eye-opening information that really requires that ob-gyns question their patients about sexual activity, especially oral sex." This also pertains to any primary care provider.

The common ingredient of both surveys is that "we can't overestimate the value of basic communication. If doctors don't ask you, you should ask them," Byrne tells WebMD.