But women also may choose to have the human papillomavirus HPV test or a combination of both tests every five years. Research confirms that HPV causes almost all cervical cancers, and the HPV test has gained traction as a viable way to screen for the disease.
Some HPV strains resolve on their own, but others can lead to cancer. Identifying the presence of these high-risk strains can be an added precaution to help women catch cervical cancer in its earliest stages. Annual checkups, however, should resume. Women should also notify their doctors of any unusual symptoms, such as irregular bleeding, vaginal discharge or painful intercourse. Advances in screening, as well as the availability of the HPV vaccine, put us ever closer to eradicating cervical cancer entirely, says Romano.
We just need everyone to be proactive in educating themselves about HPV, to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and to get screened regularly for HPV-related cancers. Well, thank you for clarifying here that the procedure must be done at least every three years. I also never knew that an HPV test is necessary since this may lead to cancer. They can have a Pap test alone every 3 years. Or they can have HPV testing alone every 5 years.
If you have had a hysterectomy , you still may need screening. After age 65, the likelihood of having an abnormal Pap test also is low. Whether or not you are due for cervical cancer screening, you should still see your ob-gyn at least once a year. Your routine visit is a good time for you and your ob-gyn to share information and talk about your wishes for your health care. During your visit, you and your ob-gyn can talk about any number of common concerns, such as problems with sex or birth control, pelvic pain, or abnormal bleeding.
You also can talk together about whether you need a breast exam or pelvic exam. Plus, you can discuss testing for STIs sexually transmitted infections , getting the vaccines you need, having your blood pressure checked, and other general medical issues.
The routine visit to your ob-gyn is crucial for your overall health, and cervical cancer screening is just one small—but important—part of that.
Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. As a nurse practitioner, I know how important these tests are and why they are necessary.
Both tests can allow us to catch cancer and other diseases before they worsen or spread. First of all, a Pap smear is not the same as a pelvic exam. A pelvic exam is a checkup of your reproductive parts, both internally and externally. We perform pelvic exams to look for specific illnesses and check on the health of your female organs. A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. We collect cells outside the cervix, and then we have them examined.
This test is often done as part of a pelvic exam. To perform a Pap smear, we use a medical instrument called a speculum. Some people call it the duck, because it looks kind of like duck bills.
The speculum, once inserted into the vagina, allows me to see the cervix. Once I can see the cervix, I use a little brush which looks like a mascara brush to swab the outside of the cervix and collect cells. This will feel like a little tickle or a gentle scratch — again, more uncomfortable than painful.
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