All women do not need to have an annual Pap smear, and some may even only need this test every three to five years.
Gynecology
There are many key areas in the field of female reproductive system health, including menstruation, pregnancy, fertility, and menopause. As a woman, you may be concerned about other issues related to your sexual health, including genital problems and sexually transmitted diseases. If you are a female that is sexually active, or over the age of 18, it is important to begin seeing a womans' health specialist in order to make sure that your reproductive system stays healthy. Before that, any concerns with menstruation should be addressed with a physician. As you get older, most women become concerned with issues pertaining to avoiding or achieving pregnancy, until menopause begins around age 50.
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Sigma Nursing answeredYou cannot prevent uterine prolapse with certainty, but you can decrease your risk of developing it by performing exercises to strengthen the muscles and connective tissues in your pelvis. These are called Kegel exercises.
You can also decrease your risk of developing uterine prolapse by reducing or eliminating certain risk factors. For example, if you have a cough you should treat it. If you are a smoker, stopping smoking will probably reduce or eliminate your cough. You should also maintain a normal body weight, avoid lifting heavy objects, and avoid or treat constipation. Topical estrogen therapy after menopause may help prevent the weakening of the pelvic muscles that occurs with age; discuss this course of care with your doctor.
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Riverside Community Hospital answered
It is a good idea to restrain from sexual activity or douching 48-72 hours before a pap smear.
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Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous change of the cervix that if left untreated leads to cancer. Cervical dysplasia is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus.
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Sigma Nursing answered
Vaginal pessaries can be associated with side effects when they are used to treat uterine prolapse. For example, pessaries can cause irritation of the tissues of the vaginal canal, and this can lead to open sores. Estrogen pills or estrogen-containing vaginal cream may help make the vaginal lining thicker and less likely to become irritated. Pessaries may also cause a foul-smelling discharge, especially if they are not removed frequently for cleaning, and they may interfere with sexual intercourse.
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Dr. Peter T. Nassar, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Saint Agnes Medical CenterA tilted uterus can also be called a retroverted or retroflexed uterus. For about 50 percent of women, the uterus faces forward. But, between 20 and 25 percent of women have a uterus that is tilted backwards. This is normal and can be present from birth, or due to scarring caused by endometriosis, pelvic disease or fibroid tumors of the uterus.
Women with a tilted uterus may complain of pain during vaginal intercourse because the uterus can be moved with deep penetration. Pain with menstruation is also possible; because the uterus is tilted backwards, women may experience more rectal pain or back pain when they get their menses.
With regards to fertility, it's not really thought to prevent pregnancy, although some people think it can be a source of infertility after all other conditions are ruled out. There are usually no effects on pregnancy, because as the uterus grows, it straightens out by itself.
People who have significant pain during intercourse or pain with their periods may have a procedure done to move the uterus forward. A common one is called Uplift, where they can actually tilt the uterus anteriorly, or forward.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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RealAge answeredSee All 3 AnswersSeveral things can affect the accuracy or results of a Pap test, which is a laboratory exam that screens for cervical cancer. Cells from the cervix are collected during a pelvic exam and then sent to the lab for analysis. Your doctor may suggest that you keep the following points in mind in preparing for your pelvic exam to help ensure your Pap test results are accurate.
- Do not schedule your pelvic exam during a time you will be menstruating. Blood on the Pap smear may make test results less accurate. The best time is usually 10-20 days after the first day of your period.
- The day before your Pap test, do not take a bath, use tampons or douche.
- Do not have intercourse within 24 hours of your pelvic exam.
- Bring any medicines that you take regularly to your appointment to share with your medical provider. Birth control pills and other medicines that contain estrogen or progestin may affect Pap test results.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have had abnormal Pap test results in the past.
- Do not use products in your vagina including medicines or foam, cream or jelly birth control within two days of your Pap test.
Pap tests are generally recommended beginning when a woman is 21 years old and every three years up to age 30. After that, women may have them five years up to age 64, if they also have HPV testing. From age 65 you may not need to take Pap tests anymore. But talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
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Greenville Health System answeredSee All 3 AnswersReasons to seek gynecologic care for a young person include:
- Menstrual periods that are very heavy or painful, causing a decrease in activities or school absences
- Itching, persistent irritation, or rashes in the genital area
- Concerns regarding anatomy or puberty
- Contraception
- Safe-sex practices
- Sexually transmitted disease testing
- Abdominal or pelvic pain that persists
- Human papillomavirus vaccination
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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HCA Midwest Health answeredOvarian cysts occur naturally as a part of a woman's monthly cycle, but they can sometimes persist and enlarge, causing pain.
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Dr. Frederick Friedman, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of The Mount Sinai Health SystemSee All 2 AnswersOvarian cysts are often asymptomatic and may be found on routine gynecologic exam. Sometimes they are found on sonograms or CT scans during an evaluation for other problems. When they twist, rupture, or get large enough, symptoms such as pain or pressure may develop.