It’s vital to prioritize your cervical health more than ever now. Cervical cancer is a dangerous disease. About 11,500 women each year get diagnosed with cervical cancer, making it a prevalent and dangerous disease.
The challenge with detecting cervical cancer comes when the precancerous cells in the cervix. These often go unnoticed and don’t show symptoms until the cancer is in a dangerously late stage. Therefore, it’s essential to get a diagnosis as early as possible. And you can look out for your cervical health with the following steps.
1. Get regular screenings.
Cervical screenings are vital in detecting any abnormalities in your cervix. You can get two types of screenings — the Pap test (or smear) and the HPV test. A Pap test involves a medical professional collecting sample cells from your cervix. They then examine these cells for abnormalities or changes, watching for symptoms of cervical cancer or other cervical conditions.
The HPV test, on the other hand, involves looking for the presence of the human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause cervical cancer. These screenings can determine any precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix before they develop into a more severe condition.
The recommended frequency for screenings depends on your age and risk factors. For Pap tests, experts recommend that women aged 21-29 get one every three years. And women aged 30-65 should get a Pap and HPV test every five years. For women over 65, it’s best to consult with your doctor. They might advise different screenings and frequencies depending on your condition.
2. Get the HPV vaccine.
HPV vaccines can prevent cancer and other HPV-related diseases. This vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against HPV infections. Experts usually recommend people aged 9-12 get the vaccine. It’s best for young people to get the vaccine before they become sexually active.
3. Practice safe sex.
You should practice safe sex to protect yourself from STIs like HPV. You can use barrier methods like condoms, which create a physical barrier that helps prevent the exchange of bodily fluids and reduces the risk of transmission. Always use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex to reduce the risk of spreading and contracting STIs.
Staying mindful of your sexual partners can also help you to avoid getting an infection. Open communication is essential. You should be able to talk about anything and everything, including sexual health, vaccination status, STI testing, and safe sex practices. This helps you and your partner stay safe, healthy, and happy.
It’s never too late to take care of your cervical health.
Many people overlook the importance of their cervical health. But now that you know more about cervical cancer and STIs, you know how important it is to take care of your cervical health. You can also start taking the necessary steps to protect yourself. Remember: prevention is more accessible than treatment, so take full advantage of the resources at your disposal.
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