[Brandye]

This is an update for women over 30; younger ones will learn something, too. PAP smears have been a part of the annual gyn exam for a long time. Recently there has been discussion of the anti-viral inoculation to reduce cervical cancer. Now, there is a new test available to be conducted along with the smear.

The pap smear tests for “abnormal cells.” That is, it indicates that the nasty HPVs have already begun their damage. Caught early, treatment is available. The new HPV test indicates the presence of the viruses before any damage has been done. This is recommended for women over 30. The reason that it is not recommended for younger women is that most of us (estimate is 80%) are infected with HPV sometime during our 20s. Most twenty-something women have healthy immune symptoms that fight the virus off in a year or so. Of course, in the meantime we are carriers passing it on to our male friends who, in turn, may share it with another woman. Over 30, the immune system begins to degrade and it may not fight off the HPV. Identifying the presence of the HPV prior to detection by pap smear, makes treatment better, easier and reduces the risk of cervical cancer as we age.

Next appointment, ask your gyn about this.


Cervical cancer risk factors:

Promiscuous sex
Unprotected sex
Promiscuous sex partners
Uncircumcised partners
Smoking
Early age sex
Family history
History of chlamydia or gonorrhea
Lack of regular health care
HPV infection
Many pregnancies