What is a pap smear

There are often no symptoms until the later stages, when there may be bleeding or discharge from the vagina. This is why it is important to attend screening.

Risk factors for developing cervical cancer include :. Doctors also do not recommend douching, as this can increase the likelihood of exposing the vagina to bacterial infection. HPV is a virus that can lead to cervical cancer in some cases. There are over types of HPV. Some types, for example, type 16 and 19, can lead to cervical cancer.

Other types can lead to different complications, such as noncancerous warts or papillomas. HPV can pass from one person to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex when there is skin-to-skin contact. There is no cure, but the infection often resolves in time. However, if HPV becomes a long-term infection, the risk of cancer increases.

Vaccination is available to protect against HPV infection. Until recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC have recommended that young women have the vaccine up to the age of 26 years and young men up to 21 years. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix.

Before developing into cancer, cervical cells undergo abnormal changes that a Pap test can detect. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the chances of surviving cervical cancer are good. If a doctor diagnoses cervical cancer in its earliest stage, the person has a percent chance of surviving for at least 5 more years.

However, if diagnosis occurs when cervical cancer is at the latest stage, the likelihood of survival falls to 15 percent. Most warts clear up without treatment, although this can take up to several years. Learn about the treatment options for warts and preventative…. What is it, should it scare you, and why should you get it done?

Ovarian cancer is common. In this article, learn about the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and outlook for this type of cancer. During your visit, you and your ob-gyn can talk about any number of common concerns, such as problems with sex or birth control, pelvic pain, or abnormal bleeding. You also can talk together about whether you need a breast exam or pelvic exam.

Plus, you can discuss testing for STIs sexually transmitted infections , getting the vaccines you need, having your blood pressure checked, and other general medical issues. The routine visit to your ob-gyn is crucial for your overall health, and cervical cancer screening is just one small—but important—part of that. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved.

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There are many reasons why test results might not be normal. It usually does not mean you have cancer. If your test results show cells that are not normal and may become cancer, your doctor will let you know if you need to be treated. In most cases, treatment prevents cervical cancer from developing.

It is important to follow up with your doctor right away to learn more about your test results and receive any treatment that may be needed. If your test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor may tell you that you can wait several years for your next cervical cancer screening test.