What to Do About Chronic UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially in women, but you can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Keep reading to learn all about them.
Who Should Have a Pap Smear and How Often?
The HPV (human papillomavirus) test and the Pap smear are tools your gynecologist uses to help screen for early signs of cervical cancer. Detecting the signs early means that you can begin treatment before cancer or precancerous lesions become advanced, when they’re harder to treat.
January is Annual Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and since all parts of the reproductive system are connected, it makes sense to discuss Pap smears and HPV screenings at this time.
Our team of experienced physicians at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC offers women’s wellness visits to our patients at our office in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During those visits, we perform Pap smears and HPV testing to ensure you’re not showing any signs of cervical cancer. Many women ask who should get a Pap smear and how often. Here’s what the team has to say.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure during which your doctor uses a small brush to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the surrounding area. These are then checked under a microscope to determine if the cells are cancerous or have changes that could lead them to become cancerous.
A Pap smear may also be used to find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation. It’s usually performed at the same time you get a pelvic exam, and it may also be done alongside a test for the human papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and the greatest risk factor for developing cervical cancer after age 30.
How often should I get a Pap smear?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ guidelines for Pap smears are the following:
If you’re 21 or older, you should start cervical cancer screening, even if you’re not yet sexually active. There’s no need to screen females younger than 21.
If you’re between 21 and 30, you’ll likely be tested for cervical cancer every three years, as long as the results from your Pap smear are normal (no cancerous or precancerous cells detected).
Beginning at age 30, every woman should have a Pap test along with an HPV test every five years until you reach age 65. However, some doctors choose to just perform a Pap smear every three years or just an HPV test every five years. Make sure to discuss the issue with your doctor to understand why they choose the option they do.
What if I have an abnormal Pap smear?
It’s important to understand that an abnormal Pap smear doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer, only that there are some changes to the cervical cells that require closer inspection. As a result, the doctor will want to perform some additional tests to clarify the situation.
Testing usually includes a colposcopy. This diagnostic test, first described in 1925, uses a lighted magnifying instrument to examine the cervix, vulva, and vagina. It can determine whether the situation requires further follow-up or if there’s little-to-no concern at this time.
If you’re over 21 and haven’t had a Pap smear, or if it’s been more than three years since you’ve gotten one, it’s time to come into Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC for a follow-up. Call our office at 615-907-2040, or book your appointment online with us today.
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