Women’s health is a top priority at the Prime Internal Medicine Associates office. We offer a range of services designed to cater to your unique needs, ensuring every aspect of your well-being is addressed with care and expertise. So, here are answers to some of the questions our women’s clinic receives about an important women’s health topic: pap smears and cervical cancer screening.
What Is Cervical Cancer, and Why Is Regular Screening Important?
Cervical cancer is one of many serious health concerns for women. Primarily, it is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
This virus is transmitted through intimate contact and exchange of body fluids. This places sexually active women, particularly those with multiple partners, at risk for malignant cells growing in the cervix at the opening of the uterus.
In most cases, the virus simply dies out over time, causing no issues of any kind. However, for some women, HPV remains in the body – even for years – causing eventual harm in the form of cancer.
So, regular in-office screenings, such as Pap smears or Pap exams, help your internist discover cervical cancer in early stages, often before symptoms appear. As with any kind of cancer, early detection and treatment are the keys to remission.
What Symptoms of Cervical Cancer Should I Watch For?
While cervical cancer very often has no noticeable symptoms until it is far advanced, you should be alert to the following signs:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding if you are post-menopausal.
- Clear and profuse vaginal discharge, especially if it has a strong odor.
- Pelvic pain.
- Pain with sexual intercourse.
What Is the Recommended Screening Schedule for Cervical Cancer?
The US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion advises all women to adhere to the following Pap smear schedule:
- Ages 21 to 29: annual Pap exams to monitor your cervical health closely.
- Ages 30 to 69: continue with yearly Pap tests unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
- Ages 65 and older: no need for a Pap test. If you have had a hysterectomy, have no history of cancer and no precancerous lesions.
Of course, it is always recommended you follow the advice of your women’s health provider who understands your risk factors and current health status.
What Is a Pap Smear Like?
The Pap exam is quick and painless and is performed in one of our treatment rooms. Our skilled internal medicine doctor will gently access your cervix with a speculum and collect cells for testing. The sample is then lab-analyzed for the presence of cancer or precancerous cells. In some cases, a pelvic exam may be performed at the same time to check for any abnormalities.
What Do Abnormal Pap Smear Results Mean?
Abnormal results from a Pap smear do not necessarily mean you have cancer. They can indicate that there are changes in the cells of your cervix, which will require further testing and possible treatment. Be sure to follow up with your internal medicine doctor for additional screenings and any necessary treatments, as advised.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer?
While regular screenings are essential, there are also ways to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer:
- Stop smoking, limit alcohol, and consume a nutritious diet.
- Get vaccinated against HPV (through age 26).
- Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners.
What Other Women’s Healthcare Services Do You Offer?
Beyond cervical cancer screenings, Prime Internal Medicine Associates provides comprehensive women’s healthcare, including:
- Breast exams.
- STI testing and treatment done on site, along with expert guidance on sexual health.
- Personalized counselling from Dr. Mathew and Dr. Katikaneni to empower you to make informed healthcare choices.
- Routine blood work and urine tests.
Our professional and caring team is committed to supporting your sexual and reproductive health through accurate information and compassionate care.
Your Women’s Clinic in Dallas, TX
Do not wait for symptoms to arise – prioritize preventive care services today. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified internal medicine doctors at Prime Internal Medicine Associates.
We offer a wide range of women’s health services, from wellness exams and STI testing to mammograms, as well as blood panels, vaccinations, mental health counselling, and guidance on nutrition and lifestyle. Since we value your comfort and experience, we are proud to say we are an all-female primary care clinic serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area.
Find out what personalized preventive services we recommend according to your needs. Call our women’s clinic today at (972) 239-5445 or use our appointment request form.
