All posts in Reproductive health

Visiting a Newborn: Do’s and Don’ts

By 10 Mar, 2023 Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Parenting, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Your baby's health , , , , , ,

Whether you are a parent, a close friend, or a family member, the arrival of a newborn is exciting, and no doubt you are looking forward to meeting the new member of the group! Many close family members tend to directly assume they can visit the newborn, while friends and extended family may be a little more careful. However, there is no one-rule-fits-all when it comes to these situations. In fact, the key rule is to check in with the parents first as this is solely their decision: childbirth is a painful and difficult journey, no matter how rewarding it may be. The new family may or may not feel comfortable accepting guests. 

What can both guests and hosts do to make this experience enjoyable, and most importantly, safe for the baby? 

The 4 DOs

  1. Discuss with your partner beforehand how you want to handle guests: who is allowed to visit fresh out of the hospital and for how long? Communicate your decisions to family and friends. 
  2. Check in with the new parents about the visit: schedule a visit, check in at the last minute, respect any changes; follow the new family’s rules.
  3. Be up to date with your vaccines, visit only if you are feeling well, wash your hands before touching the baby, and remove any jewelry from your hands. 
  4. It’s very important to offer to help if you are visiting a family with a newborn: whether that’s bringing a meal, or taking their dog out for a walk, it can be of tremendous help to the new parents. 

Here are some actions that are ill-advised when visiting a newborn: 

The 4 DON’Ts

  1. Babies are susceptible to germs and viruses: don’t take your newborn into crowded, or loud, places before they’ve had time to build their immune system. If you need to get out of the house, ask for help taking care of the baby. 
  2. Don’t bring little kids– while no doubt they are also looking forward to meeting the new baby, little kids carry the additional risk of germ exposure. Also, extra visitors can cause more anxiety for the new parents. 
  3. Avoid putting your face close to the baby’s. Adorable as it may be, such close contact is a risk as mouths carry a lot of germs. Don’t be surprised if the parents ask you to wear a mask.
  4. Don’t take pictures of the baby without the parents’ permission! Most importantly, don’t post pictures on social media without asking the parents first.  

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of what you should or shouldn’t do when visiting a family with a newborn–just some basic rules you should follow to make it more comfortable for the new parents and to avoid any misunderstandings. Some families are ok with much more socialization than you may expect, and may actively seek it, while some others may choose to be more reclusive when they bring their new baby back home from the hospital. Always follow the family’s rules and decisions! 

https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/New-Parents-and-Newborns-Are-Visitors-OK 

https://www.owletcare.com/blog/7-key-rules-visiting-newborn 



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Uterine Fibroids

By 28 Feb, 2023 Lifestyle Tips, PMS, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you have a uterus, then you already know there are countless issues to keep in mind and a full maintenance schedule for your uterine health. There is yet another concept to add to your list: uterine fibroids. Ideally, your OBGYN or primary care doctor has already talked to you about these. But if this is the first time you come across this term, fear not–uterine fibroids are extremely common, and 99% of the time they are also harmless. However, that does not mean you should ignore them, or that they don’t contribute their fair share of challenges in your cycle. 

What are uterine fibroids and how do I know I have them?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are quite simple: they are noncancerous growths (or tumors, though that word is admittedly scary) made up of the connective tissue and muscle from the wall of the uterus. They can grow solo, or in a cluster, and are most commonly less than 8 inches in diameter– though they can grow larger. Many people with a uterus do not even realize they have uterine fibroids, unless some of the symptoms start becoming more prominent, or you specifically ask your OBGYN to look for them. 

The most common signs of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, periods lasting more than a week, bleeding between your periods, frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder–usually resulting in a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen–constipation, lower back pain, and even pain during sex. These symptoms are definitely not an exclusive list, and presence of such symptoms does not guarantee the only issue is uterine fibroids: if you have concerns, it is advised that you consult with your doctor so you can know exactly what you are dealing with. 

How are they diagnosed and treated?

If you are concerned about the presence of uterine fibroids, you can ask to have an ultrasound done to determine the presence of uterine fibroids. The ultrasound can be transabdominal, and/or be done inside your vagina to get pictures of the uterus. Your doctor may also order blood count tests to determine if you have anemia from chronic blood loss, and to rule out other bleeding disorders. If these methods do not yield satisfactory results, there are more in depth tests that your OBGYN can order, such as an MRI, hysterosonography, or hysteroscopy. 

Since uterine fibroids are benign, the recommended treatment–as long as they are not causing significant issues in your day to day life and do not interfere with your fertility–is to keep an eye on them. They rarely grow and do not tend to interfere with fertility and/or pregnancy, and also tend to shrink after menopause. There are possible medications that your doctor may prescribe, medication which control your hormone levels to create menopause-like conditions. This tricks the fibroids into thinking your body has entered menopause, and causes them to shrink along with their unpleasant effects (such as heavy bleeding). Though there are procedures available as well, this is a step you would discuss at length with your doctor. 

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354294 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids#diagnosis-and-tests 



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Birth Plan

By 15 Feb, 2023 Fatherhood, Parenting, Pregnancy, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health , , , , , , , ,

If you are an expectant mother, and relatively close to delivery, you may have already started working on your birth plan. Or, you may be gathering information and becoming informed even while you are planning your pregnancy! Regardless of your timeline, it’s always a good time to consider your birth plan. Perhaps you have already heard that no delivery will go according to plan, and you need to have different options. While this is true, the suggested rule of thumb is to be well informed and flexible, as you may have to make last minute decisions and consider emergency changes; the goal is for the baby and the delivering mother to be safe and healthy. 

There are sample birth plans available in a variety of websites, but no plan is as good as the one you create yourself, personalize with your own tone and preferences, and one that addresses your medical team directly. Consider your birth plan a direct request to your OBGYN and the nurses that meet you at the labor and delivery ward. It should be easy to read, 1-2 pages long, formatted with bullet-points, personal statements and politely phrased requests; this shows you are well informed, educated, and engaged in your delivery process and take a serious interest in the delivery of your baby. If your birth plan decisions are based on medical conditions or previous delivery experiences, don’t hesitate to include a short description of those as well– it helps your medical team to know why your wishes are there. 

Check-off lists and pre-written birth plans almost never address the most important decisions during delivery: pain management and c-sections. In an ideal world, you would have completed a child-preparation program before creating your birth plan. While this may not always be possible, you can consider a book or video course. However, what will really help is for you to tour your birthing facility and learn of the options offered for birthing position, pain management, and newborn care. This is abundantly helpful especially if you require specific props for your birthing positions. If, for example, you request a birthing stool or bar, you need to ensure not only that your birthing facility has those available for you, but also that you are personally educated on how to use them. 

Keep in mind that you need to have a contingency plan in place, in case your initial wishes need to be adapted for your safety and the health of your baby. Though very few women opt for a C-section, you always need to be prepared for one. Note in your plan if you wish to receive medications that affect your consciousness, if you want to receive Pitocin for labor augmentation, and whether or not you want to receive an epidural. In case you decline an epidural, you should explain in your birth plan how you have prepared for this decision and what your pain-management plan is. 

The scary parts of your birth plan are the most important, almost like two sides of the same coin. Remember that you can, and should, write personal choices and wishes in your birth plan as well: who do you want present during labor, if you wish to place limitations on visitors, any allergies you may have, the contact information of your delivery team (partner, family or friends, doula, OBGYN, etc.), your wishes for newborn care and immediate postpartum care and preferences. Personalize your birth plan and go over it with your doctor, and those responsible for caring and supporting you, well in advance of your due date.

 

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/birth-plan/ 

https://childrensmd.org/uncategorized/writing-a-birth-plan-10-essential-tips-from-a-pediatrician-and-mom-of-5/

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Vaginal Odor Concerns

By 13 Jan, 2023 Menstruation, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health , , , , ,

Let’s get one thing out of the way: all vaginas produce some odor, and this odor varies through your menstrual cycle and through life’s activities. For example, you are more likely to experience a stronger smelling vaginal discharge if you are mid-cycle, after intercourse, or after a workout. However, if there is an unfamiliar, strong, and unpleasant odor that persists for several days that is cause for concern and should be checked out ASAP. If it is accompanied by other symptoms like grayish vaginal discharge, itching and burning, then it may be a sign of a health issue as well. 

The most common reason for a concerning vaginal odor is an imbalance in your vaginal pH; if your vaginal flora is imbalanced that may produce an unfamiliar smell. Some of those odors can be short term, and not a cause for concern. For example, if you are menstruating you may notice a coppery smell–that’s because period blood contains iron. A slight ammonia odor may be a sign that you are dehydrated or there is urine residue on your genitals. A smell similar to body odor can be a sign that you are stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime. 

Temporary changes in your vaginal odor are normal, and they are not always a cause for concern. If bad odor persists, however, you may want to look into one or more of the following possible causes: bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection caused by an imbalance in your vaginal pH; trichomoniasis–a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite; changes in your vaginal odor due to pregnancy; postpartum vaginal odor. Some rare causes for vaginal odor can also be rectovaginal fistula–an extremely rare condition where the opening between our rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina; vaginal cancer or cervical cancer. 

Treatments 

Before you jump into panic mode, and especially if you have just noticed an unpleasant odor down there, you can try the following simple methods to eliminate symptoms (considering they are non threatening):

  1. Sometimes we just need a really good shower, or more regular showers: if you are working out more, have intercourse more often, or are even way more stressed than usual, that may change your odor. 
  2. Do not wash inside your vagina: you definitely want to use appropriate products to wash the outside areas of your vagina, but do not use water, soap, or a washcloth inside your body. 
  3. Check for product changes: did you recently change your vaginal wash? You may have a sensitivity to a new ingredient, or a new detergent. Even underwear fabrics and tight clothes can cause irritation and a different smell. 
  4. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: strong foods like onion, garlic, asparagus and oily fast foods can cause your body to produce not-so-pleasant odors. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17905-vaginal-odor

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Surrogate Mothers

By 08 Dec, 2022 Fatherhood, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Surrogate, WNY Ob-Gyn News, Women's Health, Your baby's health

You have probably heard of couples using surrogate mothers to conceive, or carry a pregnancy to term. The term is often associated with a couple’s fertility challenges, and difficult as those may be, it doesn’t stop being a wonderful way for a couple to have a baby– the parents who initiate the process are called the “intended parents,” and the individual carrying the fetus is the “surrogate mother.” Some of the reasons parents-to-be consider surrogacy may be: 

  • Trouble conceiving through IVF, which may be related to infertility of unknown origin
  • Medical issues that affect the uterus, or even a previous hysterectomy 
  • Conditions that make the pregnancy too high-risk, such as health concerns or advanced maternal age 
  • Queer couples 

If you didn’t know it, there are two types of surrogacy: traditional one and gestational surrogacy. 

Traditional Surrogacy: this is the least commonly used method of surrogacy as it comes with more legal and emotional complexities. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is both the egg donor and the surrogate mother. She uses her own eggs, and therefore has a genetic relationship to the baby. During this method, the surrogate is impregnated using intrauterine insemination. The doctor uses sperm provided by the intended father, transfers it into the uterus of the surrogate, and natural fertilization of the egg takes place from then on. As medical science advances, this type of surrogacy becomes increasingly less common. 

Gestational Surrogacy: this is the most commonly used type of surrogacy, and there is no genetic relationship between the surrogate mother and the fetus. Instead, an embryo is inserted into the surrogate’s uterus and she carries the pregnancy to term for the intended parents. To get to that point, the intended parents provide sperm and eggs–or use either/or from a donor–fertilize them and then have them inserted into the surrogate mother’s uterus using in vitro fertilization. In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate may be also called gestational carrier. 

Why this choice?

As mentioned above, there are several health reasons why intended parents may choose to find a surrogate mother. However, the decision does not have to rely on those health reasons, and it is always deeply personal and a private decision. The most common reason people choose surrogacy over adoption is that they want to have a biological connection to their child; even though familial bonds are not necessary to build a strong, happy, and healthy family, many parents do want a biological connection to their offspring. 

Surrogacy offers a safe and transparent pregnancy as the intended parents are there every step of the way. The most common concern with adoption is that the future parents do not know the medical history of the birth mother, or the father. This can raise serious concerns about their future baby’s medical history, and many parents feel uneasy not knowing whether their adoptive infant may have potentially been exposed to malnourishment or toxins in-utero. 

If you are considering a surrogate option for your family, consult with your family doctor first, and keep in mind you may also need to review your state’s laws around surrogacy agreements. 

 

https://www.surrogateparenting.com/blog/what-is-a-surrogate-mother/ 

https://www.fertilitypreservation.org/blog/when-to-consider-surrogacy-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one 



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Eating Disorders and Pregnancy

By 01 Nov, 2022 Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Reproductive health, Women's Health , , , , , ,

The two most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, yet there are other types out there that are not as common. Unfortunately, research on eating disorders and pregnancy is quite limited– there are estimations that eating disorders affect 5-8% of women during pregnancy, but this may not be completely credible as results can be skewed due to women’s reluctance to recognize eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia often become noticeable in adolescence, and it’s possible that they linger during a woman’s reproductive years. Consequently, they can of course affect not only a woman’s reproductive health but also the health of her baby. 

Fertility is the first affected area of women who suffer from an eating disorder: most women with anorexia do not have menstrual cycles, and approximately half of the women who have bulimia do not experience regular menstrual cycles. Absence of menstruation or irregular periods can limit the chances of conceiving, or even make it a lot more difficult for a couple to conceive. If you know you have an eating disorder and are seeking to get pregnant, it will be much healthier for you and your future baby if you try to treat your eating disorder first and establish some healthy eating habits. It is also important to share your history with medical professionals and ask for your weighing to be treated with more care. 

Though there is quite a long list of complications associated with eating disorders during pregnancy, rest assured that proper planning and prenatal care– as well as a commitment to building healthy eating habits and helping your body remain healthy– can minimize a lot of those complications, lessen the risks associated with them, and enhance your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Some of those complications can be premature labor and low birth weight, as well as delayed fetal growth and respiratory problems. You may also be at a higher risk for emergency cesarean birth and other complications during labor. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even miscarriage are also possible complications. Women with eating disorders are also at a higher risk for postpartum depression, and depression during pregnancy, and are more likely to have problems with breastfeeding. Women with bulimia are at a higher risk for hypertension, and substances such as laxatives and other medications may be harmful to the development of the baby and can lead to fetal abnormalities as well. 

Eating disorders unfortunately cannot be treated with medications that are pregnancy-safe. Treatment includes, first and foremost, the mother’s determination to have a healthy pregnancy and–difficult and shameful as it may be–disclosing to health professionals that you are struggling with an eating disorder. That way, your doctor will be able to tailor your prenatal visits accordingly, and know the risk factors associated with your pregnancy. The obstetrician’s care can be complemented by a registered dietitian/nutritionist and a therapist for well rounded care and medical treatment. 

 

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/eating-disorders-and-pregnancy/ 

https://www.verywellmind.com/pregnancy-and-eating-disorders-4179037 



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Vaginal Dryness after Menopause

By 07 Sep, 2022 Lifestyle Tips, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , ,

One of the most often talked about symptoms of menopause is vaginal dryness. It would be ideal if it only showed up when menopause started, but unfortunately it can start happening even a few years before menopause. Just as a bonus, women can also experience vaginal dryness after childbirth, while breast feeding, or even if they are taking certain allergy medicine or certain antidepressants.

Back to the hormonal factors, however, vaginal dryness begin hand in hand with vaginal atrophy. A truly scary word, though it simply means your body is not producing as much estrogen as before. Estrogen is responsible for the natural lubrication, elasticity, and thickness of the cervix: once estrogen production goes down, the natural lubrication of the vagina is no longer happening, and the vaginal walls can experience thinning, drying, and possible inflammations.

Lubrication
Basically, it all comes back to lubrication: since your body’s natural lubrication system retires at the age of menopause, you need to supplement vaginal lubrication via external (internal) means. Most often, especially because vaginal dryness can lead to pain during intercourse, women will turn towards vaginal lubricants. Though a great solution, it is but temporary. For something more long lasting, you may want to look into vaginal moisturizers. You can apply them every few days to moisturize and keep vaginal tissue healthy.

There is also the option to reinvigorate vaginal tissues. Science really does wonders… this can be
a low dose vaginal estrogen cream, tablet, or ring. Note that this can be prescribed in additional
to other hormonal supplements you may be taking. It is meant to specifically tackle vaginal
dryness, especially if it persists while you are on hormonal treatment post-menopause. You will
need to discuss this option with your doctors and take into consideration any other health issues
you may have faced, particularly breast cancer.

There is also the option of an oral medication, Ospemifene or Osphena, which is more geared
towards addressing vaginal pain during intercourse. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator,
SERM, medication but women who have a high risk of breast cancer, or have faced breast
cancer, best not consider it as an option. For more details on what this medication can do for you,
consult with your doctor or medical professional.

Another technique to help you ease painful intercourse if you are post-menopausal is a nightly
vaginal suppository containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

It’s also important to note that vaginal stimulation or even regular sexual activity, solo or with a
partner, can absolutely help post-menopausal women keep their vaginal tissues healthy. Above
all, remember this is a very natural response of your body to hormonal changes, there is nothing
to be ashamed about, and it is well within your rights to seek healthy treatments that work for
you and your body. You owe it to yourself, and though we can’t turn back the clock, we can
make sure we are living pain-free and comfortable lives within the new parameters our bodies
present to us.

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Body Awareness in Pregnancy

By 07 Sep, 2022 Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , ,

If you have armed yourself with all the knowledge you can gather regarding the possible changes
on your body during pregnancy, then you are one step closer to dealing with the physical effect
of those changes. Some women, though they do know their body will change during pregnancy
and possibly afterwards as well, do not seem to mind it at all. Great! According to a survey of
more than 1500 women, just over 41% said they felt more negative about their bodies after
pregnancy. Which goes to show: the majority of women are struggling with body image while
pregnant. Not to mention what the body image stress is probably not helping the baby…

Is this only related to pregnancy?

Of course not… women in general are held to unrealistic expectations of beauty standards—expectations that the media and society constantly repeat. In recent years, this pressure for body perfection has worsened with the rise of social media. What is worse in pregnancy, however, is that the changes are relatively rapid, weight gain is almost always expected, feelings are exacerbated, and you may even be feeling alien in your own body. A vessel, so to speak. All of these are true: you will most likely gain weight during your pregnancy, it’s possible to develop stretch marks, and it is also a possibility that your post-partum body will not be 100% the same as your pre-pregnancy body.

 

This is a lot…

Yes, this can absolutely be overwhelming. Despair not! Weight gain is—and we cannot stress this enough—normal, and healthy for your baby. Also, if your doctor or nurse gives you the green light, you can exercise while pregnant. It may be light exercise, such as swimming or walking, or pre-natal yoga. These options help make you more aware of the connection between your body and your mind, perhaps take some of the edge off and your mind off of your worries and are steps to ensure the overall health of your body.

If you are concerned about weight gain during pregnancy, make a plan with your doctor, nurse, or mid wife, about your diet. Allow yourself the small pleasures without guilt: your body is participating in the miracle of nourishing a new life. There is no way to make this happen in a healthy manner unless you experience changes yourself.

What else can I do?

Honestly, don’t bottle up your feelings. Being insecure about, or even disappointed with, your
body image is completely normal. Share those feelings and thoughts with your partner, talk about
those worries with your friends. You may want to join a mom group, or even an online
discussion forum where you can exchange ideas with others on the same boat. If it gets too
much, you can always talk to a medical professional or a therapist. Even if you didn’t have body
image issues before pregnancy, it is not uncommon that future mothers start facing those worries
for the first time when they become pregnant. You are not alone in this!

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Breast Self-Exam

By 07 Sep, 2022 Breast health, Breastfeeding support, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It is common practice at your regular OBGYN appointment for your doctor to perform a breast
exam, by using their hands and examining the overall the look of your breasts. Though this is no
substitute for a mammogram, which adult women are advised to have done yearly, it is a useful
method to see whether there are any visible or tactile abnormalities on your breasts. In fact, 40%
of breast cancers were diagnosed because women noticed something unusual about their breasts.

Is this something I can do at home?
Absolutely—and it is a good idea to perform a self-breast examination once every month. Consider it a monthly inspection you deserve, and one that at the very least helps you learn your body better. Using your eyes and hands for this examination, you can develop your own breast awareness and be able to immediately identify changes—should there be any, fingers crossed not!

What do I do?
First and foremost, it is important to choose a time of the month when your breast will not be as tender since this can cloud the results of the inspection. Ideally, during a time when you are not menstruating or ovulating. Secondly, remember you can (and probably should) ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for a demonstration on how to do this at home.

The most effective technique is to start with a visual examination of your breasts. Stand shirtless and braless in front of the mirror, with no-shadow casting light if possible, and place your hands at your sides. Look for any changes in size, shape, possible asymmetry, dimpling, or puckering. Check to see if your nipples are inverted. Then, inspect your breasts in a similar manner but after raising your hands above your head, palms pressed together forming an A shape. You can also lift your breasts and inspect whether the ridges on the bottom are symmetrical. Should you not trust your own vision, or if you have a visual impairment, it’s a good idea to ask a partner, trusted family member or friend, to help you with this.

Is this all?
The visual inspection is the first step. Next, you want to use the pads of your three middle
fingers. If you can’t sense very well with the pads of your fingers you can use your palm or the
backs of your fingers. You can do the tactile inspection in the shower or lying down (that way,
the breast tissue spreads and it’s easier to feel).

Now, take your time, don’t rush, and establish a routine for this part. If you do it clockwise every
time, for example, and in the same order, then after a few times you will be better able to judge
any changes in the pattern of your breasts. The goal here is to feel the depths of the breast using
different levels of pressure—so you can go over the whole tissue. Closest to the skin, use light
pressure. As you go try to feel a little deeper, use medium pressure. Closest to the chest and ribs,
use firmer pressure.

Remember that you are not looking for anything in particular, you are just learning the patterns
of your breasts. So, take deep breaths, take your time, remind yourself this is being done
absolutely for preventative reasons—just like flossing!

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Cervical Screening

By 05 Aug, 2022 Lifestyle Tips, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , ,

 

The most common gynecological care procedure may be the Pap Smear—and it’s no secret that
it revolutionized women’s health and made it widely accessible—but a close second is cervical
cancer screening. Now, don’t let the words scare you: it doesn’t mean you have to get this
screening done if you are suspecting you have cancerous cells. It simply means this screening
tests specifically for evidence of HPV in the uterine cervix. A Pap Smear, on the other hand, tests
for precancerous cells on the cervix—cells that may turn cancerous if not treated correctly.


How does it happen?
Cervical cancer screening is a similar procedure to a Pap Smear: they both happen in a clinic, a
medical office, or a community health center. It’s common to get those tests done during a pelvic
examination. Much like the Pap Smear, using a vaginal speculum, the medical professional will
collect cells and mucus from the cervix and vagina and send them for lab testing. A Pap Smear
checks to see if the cells look generally normal. A cervical cancer screening specifically tests the
cells for HPV.

Why do I need it?
Remember the primary goal of a cervical screening is to routinely look for abnormal cervical
cells with severe cell changes so they can be removed, and cancerous cells can be stopped from
developing. It is a routine examination for anyone who has a uterine cervix and is sexually
active. Nearly all types of cervical cancer are caused by sexually transmitted HPV. A secondary
goal of this screening is to identify cervical cancers at an early stage so they can be treated
successfully and avoid further problems.

When should I get tested?
Most sources suggest that you should start getting Pap Smears and Cervical Screenings after the
age of 21. However, many people are sexually active before that age—you should be getting
regular routine examinations as soon as your become sexually active. The standard suggestion is
to be screened every 3 years, considering your results come back normal, but if you have
personal concerns and the ability to be tested every year—better safe than sorry!

If you are older than 65 and have had regular tests and satisfying results for several years in a
row or have had your cervix removed for non-cancer related reasons, you may not need to be
screened anymore. However, that is still a personal decision, and you are entitled to be keeping
as many tabs on your health as you want.

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