DIY medical care: I once performed a Pap smear on myself

Recently, while I was performing a breast exam on a patient who is a healthcare professional, she admitted that she had a history of breast cysts. I informed her that I hadn’t detected any lumps in the current exam.

"Oh, well, you wouldn’t. I just stick a needle in the cysts and drain them.”

I was impressed. Even though I once attempted to perform my own Pap smear (a procedure I do not recommend), I would never aspirate my own breast cyst. I mean, there are limits.

The range of self-care does vary so dramatically among patients. I have