January has been designated Cervical Health Awareness Month by Congress, the American Social Health Association (ASHA) and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. Dr. Campbell and her team at New River Women’s Health want to take this opportunity to remind women how important it is to screened for cervical cancer by having annual Pap smears and pelvic exams. It is also often beneficial to have a screening test for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, at this appointment.
The American Cancer Society’s signs/symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as spotting between menstrual periods or experiencing menstrual bleeding lasting longer than usual.
- Vaginal discharge, which may contain blood and occur between periods or post-menopause.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Pelvic pain, in more advanced cases.
You should consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these signs and symptoms. Ignoring your symptoms could allow cervical cancer to progress to a more advanced stage, when it is more difficult to treat.
Most cervical cancers, approximately 70 percent, are associated with human papillomavirus, or HPV: the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV occurs so frequently in our country that an estimated 80 percent of sexually active women will contract it at some point. Widespread immunization with the relatively new HPV vaccination may well reduce the impact of cervical cancer worldwide.
The vaccine, available in forms to protect both females and males, tends to be recommended by physicians for preventive administration to preteens ages 11-12: ideally before they come in contact with HPV. The HPV vaccination may offer some benefit even if you are sexually active; however, vaccination cannot treat an existing HPV infection.
If you think you may have contracted HPV, you are certainly not alone. Please feel free to ask Dr. Campbell to perform and analyze the HPV screening test. New River Women’s Health offers safe and confidential sexually-transmitted disease testing.
Should you wish to schedule a cervical health assessment and/or diagnostic testing for related issues, please contact our Blacksburg location at (540) 605-7566 or fill out our brief scheduling form. Our mission is protecting and preserving your gynecological and obstetrical health, for you and all the people you love.
