Four things to think about when it comes to cervical health
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It’s also considered a preventable cancer thanks to routine cervical cancer screenings and the HPV vaccination. Cervical health plays a key role in prevention, and according to Nicole Salvador, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Allina Health, every woman should prioritize these four things.
1. Stay up to date on your Pap smears.
During a Pap smear, clinicians use a small broom‑shaped tool to collect cells from the cervix. These cells are checked for signs of precancerous changes and for the presence of human papillomavirus, or HPV, which causes the vast majority of cervical cancer cases.
“I know this isn’t most people’s favorite exam,” Dr. Salvador said. “Some have even told me they’d rather be at the dentist, and I get it, but staying current on your screening is incredibly important for your long‑term health.”
- Traditional Pap smears
- Pap smears and pelvic exams are recommended every three years for people ages 21–29.
- For ages 30–65, screenings are recommended every five years when combined with HPV testing.
- At-home tool
- The FDA recently approved the first at-home alternative to the traditional Pap smear.
- With this option, patients can use a swab to collect a vaginal sample at home and mail it to a lab for HPV screening.
“This is going to be a good option for patients who may not want a pelvic exam because of a history of trauma or discomfort,” said Dr. Salvador. “It allows them to stay up to date on their screening. However, if the self-test is positive, a follow-up pelvic exam will still be recommended.”
2. Consider HPV Vaccination.
Dr. Salvador says the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce cervical cancer, and it even has the potential to eliminate cervical cancer!
- The recommended age for the HPV vaccine is 11 to 14 for both girls and boys.
- Two doses are recommended if the series is started before age 14.
- Three doses are recommended if started at age 15 or older
- HPV or human papilloma virus is a common virus passed through sexual contact. Some strains can cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
- HPV can also cause penile, oral and throat cancers in men.
3. Are you getting your period every month?
If you are not taking some form of hormonal birth control, you should be having regular periods every month, although timing can vary by a few days. If you are not having regular periods, you should check in with your healthcare provider as irregular or absent periods could be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, diabetes and other serious health problems.
“Think of the menstrual cycle as one of your vital signs, just like heart rate and blood pressure. It can provide clues to your overall health that should not be ignored,” said Dr. Salvador.
4. See your primary care physician or OB/GYN when something doesn’t feel right.
“Too often, women assume painful or heavy periods are normal,” Dr. Salvador said. “It never hurts to talk with your care team so we can help determine what’s normal and what’s not.”
Whether you're experiencing pelvic pain, irregular bleeding or other symptoms, checking in with your primary care clinician or OB/GYN can help you address issues early.
Schedule your cervical cancer screening or gynecologic appointment today: Gynecology | Women's Health | Allina Health.
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