By Iris Farrou
05 Aug, 2022
Lifestyle Tips, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
BRCA Gene, Cancer Screening, Cervical Health, how often pap smear, How often should you see OBGYN, HPV, Pap smear, Regular STD Testing, Screening, Test, When Should I Start Seeing a Gynecologist
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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In today’s busy world, doctor visits can be left on the horizon or on your “to-do” list for too long. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 65% of women visit their OB-GYN for preventative care. While it’s especially easy to put off visits to the OBGYN (especially when you feel healthy), here are the top reasons to make your next appointment today!
- You can’t remember the last time you had a pap smear. The days of annual pap exams are in the past, as new research recommends woman receive a pap test every five years. The exam tests for cervical cancer and can be combined with a test for HPV. Due to the extension of time between advised pap exams, be sure to schedule your visits on time.
- You are thinking about getting pregnant. Before you start trying, it’s best to find and establish care with an OBGYN. The first priority will be to begin taking pre-natal vitamins. Folic acid, calcium, iodine and iron are all important vitamins to begin taking. Preconception counseling may also include discussion of family history and lifestyle to set up success for a healthy conception and pregnancy.
- You just found out that you are pregnant. Prenatal care is imperative for a healthy baby and mommy. At your first exam, your OBGYN will typically conduct a pelvic exam and measure your blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. He/she will also review what to expect in the coming months and set you up with your next appointments and ultrasounds.
- You haven’t had a clinical breast exam in a while. In addition to your recommended monthly self-exam, it’s also good to receive professional breast exams once per year. Professionals can detect abnormalities you may have missed at home. The earlier you detect breast cancer, the better.
- You have an irregular period, or you experience painful periods. If you suspect your period is abnormal, there is help available. Issues may include abnormal flow levels, length of period, consistency of period, and level of pain/discomfort. It’s best to speak with your OBGYN.
- Your vaccinations are not up to date. The HPV vaccination may be the most common vaccine to discuss with your OBGYN; however, you can also ask about flu and other shots at your women’s health visit.
- You have questions about sex. Women of any age may have questions about sexual concerns, including pain with sex, birth control, and sexual-transmitted infections (STI). Always speak to your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms or face anxieties.
- You haven’t been feeling yourself. While the OBGYN doesn’t seem like the most likely place to discuss mental health, changes in women’s bodies (postpartum, menopause, puberty, etc.) can affect mental health. Start by asking your OBGYN for information on how to best cope with changes to your body.
We are accepting new patients!
If you are in the WNY area and are looking for an OBGYN group, consider Chouchani, Sayegh and Robinson MD. Please call our office for an appointment.
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The frequency with which you should visit your OBGYN changes with age, and of course when you’re pregnant. It’s also important to note that if you have any concerns regarding your health, or any changes in your health, you can and should make a non-routine appointment to visit your OBGYN at any time. Outside of health concerns, what follows are general guidelines for how often you should see your OBGYN.
Women Under Age 21
Women under age 21 are encouraged to meet with their gynecologist to ensure they have a resource for any questions or concerns. It is not, however, required for women under age 21to receive an annual pelvic exam and/or pap smear unless otherwise recommended by their physician.
Women Ages 21 – 29
In general, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women over 21 and under 29 should see their OBGYN annually in order to have a pelvic exam. In addition, this annual well woman’s visit should include a general women’s wellness exam, breast exam, and a pap smear.
Women Ages 30 – 65
Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should also receive a pelvic exam every year, however as of 2012 the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society, and ACOG recommend that women ages 30 – 65 who have had negative pap test results in the past should have a combination pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) test only once every five years.
If within the last three years of turning 30, you’ve had an abnormal pap smear, a history of dysplasia, are HIV positive, or have been exposed before birth to diethylstilbestrol (a synthetic form of estrogen sometimes prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971), your gynecologist may still recommend that you receive a pap smear more frequently than once every two years.
Women Over Age 65
Women over age 65 without a history of precancerous cells or cervical cancer, and who have had either three-consecutive negative pap test results or two consecutive negative pap/HPV tests within the previous 10 years, do not need to continue receiving regular pap tests, as long as they have no history of precancerous cells or cervical cancer.
Women Who Have Had a Hysterectomy
Women who have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a cervix do not need to have regular pap tests, unless they’ve had precancerous cells in the cervix or a reproductive cancer, such as uterine cancer, in the past.
Sexually Active Women
While the guidelines above are general recommendations, it is also a best practice that women begin regularly seeing their gynecologist when they become sexually active, or at least within two to three years of becoming sexually active.
When You Should Schedule a Non-Routine Appointment
You can always contact your gynecologist for questions or concerns. You should definitely schedule a non-routine appointment if you experience any of the following:
- Vaginal pain or discomfort
- Abnormal or irregular bleeding not associated with your period
- Changes in your menstrual cycle that could be an indication of pregnancy or the onset of menopause
If You’re Pregnant
In general, women who are pregnant should meet with their OBGYN with the following frequency:
- Weeks 4 to 28: 1 prenatal visit a month
- Weeks 28 to 36: 1 prenatal visit every 2 weeks
- Weeks 36 to 40: 1 prenatal visit every week
If you have any risk factors associated with your pregnancy, your OBGYN may recommend more frequent visits.
Remember that your annual exam is also your time to discuss with your gynecologist any questions or concerns that you may have regarding stress, pregnancy or family planning, or any other related concerns or questions. As the recommendations, relative to the frequency of women’s health visits are continually being reexamined, always check with your doctor for the latest criteria.
If you are looking for a new Ob-Gyn physician and live in the Western New York area, give our office a call today. We are accepting new patients!
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