Prevention and Detection for Better Cervical Health

You’re bombarded with messages about how to maintain your heart health and bone health, but how often do you think of your cervical health outside of your annual Pap smear?

There’s much more to cervical health than your yearly exam. In fact, you may not realize there are things you can do to dramatically reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. We’ll review those, and provide you with practical guidelines that you can use.

At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we are dedicated to helping you live the healthiest life possible. Whether you’re entering menopause, expecting your first baby, or coping with the challenge of fibroids, we’ve served generations of patients. We’re proud to have repeatedly been named the best OBGYN practice in Orange and Durham counties by INDY magazine. Experience this level of superior care firsthand by contacting us for an appointment.

Why Is Cervical Health Important?

According to the Centers for Disease Control there are roughly 11,500 cases of cervical cancer each year. About 4,000 of those women will die from this disease. When it’s caught at its earliest stages, cervical cancer is more treatable and beatable. 

While cervical cancer can cause you to have pelvic pain, abnormal periods, or painful intercourse, at its earliest stages, it can show no symptoms at all. 

We don’t want you to become a statistic. Take charge of your cervical health with our guidelines below.

Do you have pelvic pain and abnormal periods? Remember: These aren’t always signs of cervical cancer, but they can represent a lot of other conditions. That’s why we want to establish a patient-centered relationship with you to identify and treat these challenges. Don’t hesitate–your health is worth it.

Do You Have These Risk Factors for Cervical Health Issues?

Do you smoke? This is one of the risk factors. If you smoke, you’re not only putting your cervical health at risk, but you’re placing your entire wellness in jeopardy, as smoking can lead to lung cancer and other problems. Remember that vaping is not a “safe” alternative. 

Are you having problems quitting smoking? We can direct you to resources that can help. For more information, check out this useful information from the Centers for Disease Control. 

Not sure if you have other risk factors? Answer these questions:

• Have you been diagnosed with HPV?
• Do you have a compromised immune system?
• Have you had several sexual partners?
• Did you start having sex at an early age (younger than 18)?
• Do you have a family history of cervical cancer?
• Have you had a sexual partner who has had sex with numerous others?
• Have you been diagnosed with an STD?
• Did your mother take a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) during her pregnancy?

 If you answered “yes” to any of these, then we encourage you to schedule an appointment where we can discuss your risk of cervical cancer.

What Can I Do to Improve My Cervical Health?

Fortunately, there are some basic guidelines that can keep your cervix healthy. These include:

• Getting an HPV vaccination
• Practicing safe sex (using barrier methods like a condom)
• Stop smoking (we discussed this earlier)
• Have regular Pap smears and checkups
• Speak to us about the results of your Pap smear
• Limit your number of sexual partners

Remember: Just because you have an abnormal Pap smear doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. However, it does mean we need to follow up with a LEEP procedure. We can perform this procedure in our office.

What Do I Do If I’ve Been Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer?

First, take a deep breath. Know that we are always on your side and will be with you throughout this challenging journey. 

Cervical cancer treatment depends upon what stage the cancer is, and we will refer you to an oncologist who specializes in gynecology. You may have to have radiation and/or chemotherapy depending upon your diagnosis.

Chapel Hill OBGYN Helps You Maintain Better Cervical Health

We’ve reviewed a lot of facts in this blog, and you may still be processing some of the information. That’s okay. Remember that our health care team and gynecologists in Chapel Hill and Durham are ready to serve you and answer any and all questions you have.

Not sure when or how often you should have a Pap smear? Talk to us, and we’ll review your individual situation and screen you for cervical cancer. Schedule an appointment today.