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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It is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that women ages 21 to 65 receive an annual routine Pap smear test. The purpose of this routine screening is to check for precancers, or cervical cell changes that might become cervical cancer if they are not properly treated. Before your next annual Pap smear test, learn what a positive Pap test could mean. With proper education and routine testing, you can put yourself in the best position to protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,900 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. A Pap smear test is a non-invasive way to identify the presence of cervical precancers. During the Pap test, your doctor will collect a few cell samples and some mucus from the cervix and surrounding area. The cells will then be tested to identify any abnormalities.
There are four terms typically used to describe Pap test results, and the first step in understanding what your Pap test results mean, is familiarizing yourself with the following terms:
- Normal – Your cervix is healthy.
- Unsatisfactory – The sample of cells taken was not a good sample and can’t be read. Your Pap test will likely need to be repeated.
- Benign changes – Your Pap test was basically normal, however you may have an infection that is causing inflammation of the cervical cells. Your doctor may need to do a pelvic exam to check for the cause of the infection and prescribe treatment if necessary.
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) – There is the appearance of abnormal cells in your sample. More tests may be needed to determine the cause.
If your test results are positive for abnormal cell growth, it could be due to the presence of precancers, however understand that there are many reasons why Pap test results might not be normal and it frequently does not mean you have cancer. One of the following factors could be at play instead:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that causes an abnormal rate of cervical cell growth. HPV can remain in your body for years and could go undetected, which means that your abnormal Pap test results may appear years after your exposure to the virus.
- A bacteria or yeast infection. Such infections can be treated after proper diagnosis.
- Menopause. Women who have been through menopause may see changes to their cervical cells, however the abnormal cells are not precancers.
- Smoking. Tobacco use may increase your chances of seeing cell changes in your cervix. Abstaining from tobacco use will help your cells return to normal levels.
- An impaired immune system. Your immune system could become damaged as the result of such factors as alcohol use, drug abuse or withdrawal, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or chemotherapy.
The first step to reducing your risk of cervical cancer is ensuring that you receive a routine Pap smear test annually from your OBGYN. If your tests results show abnormal cell growth, your doctor will know how to interpret the results and proceed with any necessary treatment to help you maintain optimal health.
If it’s been some time since you’ve seen your gynecologist, make sure you schedule an appointment. A healthy woman should be seen at least once each year.
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