We are about being as proactive as possible when it comes to your reproductive health. PAP smears are one of the first steps most people take to learn what is happening in their reproductive system.
But like everything in life, medicine and medicine evolve and change. We need to appreciate what we have always done and see if it is still the best course of action. So, what is your deal with Pap smear? Why do we do them, do we need to do them? Time to research!
What is a Pap Smear?
If you’ve ever had, you probably don’t need a reminder, but we want to cover all of our bases here. If you are about to get your first Pup smear, it is important to know it What to expect. In any case, we can always use a review of what it is.
Abnormal cells in the cervix, especially cancerpre-cancer, or indicator HPV. PAP smears are part of routine reproductive medicine, as certain strains of HPV can potentially develop into cervical cancer.
The PAP smear is done by checking the vaginal canal using a perspective, and collecting cervical cells from the outside using a soft brush. neck. The standard recommendation is to get one every three years between the ages 21 and 30, and then frequently up to the age of 65, unless you start to show signs of cervical cancer.
Do I need a Pap smear?
It is usually fairly common for young people to get a Pap smear, but they only received a horrifying call that the test showed irregular neck cells. They then leave anxiety in the near future as they continue to acquire PAP smears for the next two years until their results are either normal or progressive. This makes people feel uncertain, but nervous about reproductive health, but I’m a bit stuck in this waiting game.
Another drawback of PAP smears is that it can be very provoked for people who have experienced sexual trauma, abuse, or medical trauma. If this is you, know that you deserve to feel confident in the decisions you make about your reproductive health and safety with your provider.
American University of Obstetrics and Gynecology He says this is because our understanding of cervical cancer has changed over time. Cervical cancer can take years (more than 10) to develop, so time has been expanded between screenings. PAP smear results are often positive for HPV and irregular cervical cells in young people, but that does not necessarily mean developing cervical cancer.
It’s important to take the test Stisand Communicate with your new sexual partner About what you might have. However, HPV is tricky and actually represents a group of over 100 viruses compared to a particular virus.
It’s incredibly common: around 80% You will have HPV at some point in the lives of sexually active people. And about their 90% Symptoms in women with HPV never show symptoms and are cleaned up on their own in about two years.
Pap smears are usually done much lower than standard STI tests, so you may not always know if you are carrying them. Things to keep in mind!
The importance of reproductive health care
Although providers recommend you go to your OB-Gyn every year, they are beginning to reassess the importance of regular PAP smears. That being said, it’s true that cervical cancer is Fourth and most common cancer For women.
Luckily they developed another screening option for HPV – HPV Test. This is usually done after a Pap smear shows abnormal cells, and is more commonly done in people over the age of 30. This test is available only to women, but men can pass HPV to their sexual partners.
HPV testing does not detect cancer, but rather detects certain strains of HPV that may increase the risk of developing neck cancer.
Return to the day’s problem – Do you need a Pap smear? Overall, yes, Pap smears are an important part of reproductive health care and sexual health, but they may not be needed as often as previously thought.
Current ACOG guidelines and HPV screening for cervical cancer are as follows:
- 21-29 years: PAP test every 3 years, HPV test is tested as an option for people aged 25-29 years
- 30-65 years: Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years, both Pap smear every 3 years, or HPV test every 5 years
- 65 or later: If you do not have abnormal cells or cervical cancer, you can stop the screen for cervical cancer.
Some exceptions to this are if you have a history of cervical cancer, are HIV-positive, have weakened immune system, or are exposed to of Prenatal.
Knowing that you may be at a high risk of developing cervical cancer can be a nervous breakdown, but it can also help you and your health provider take steps to actively address your health, such as monitoring, further testing, and treating abnormal cells.
If you’re not sure if your regular PAP smear is right for you, this is an important conversation with a healthcare provider that you trust and feel safe and comfortable.
It is equally important to know your body and be careful if something is felt or you get unbalanced. This will help you take better care of your health and I defend for yourself When navigating through the healthcare system.
