women s health issues
Tests for Gynecologic Disorders
Screening Tests
Two important screening tests for women are Cervical cell (cytology) testing, such as the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test to check for Cervical Cancer (the lower part of the uterus) Mammography to check for Women at risk of sexually transmitted infections (such as Chlamydial Infections or Tests used to screen for Cervical Cancer include the following: Papanicolaou (Pap) test:Cells from the cervix are examined under a microscope to determine whether any are cancerous or abnormal and may, without treatment, progress to cancer (precancerous cells). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection (HPV) test: In both the Pap test and HPV test, doctors collect a sample from the cervix. Doctors collect the sample by inserting a speculum (a metal or plastic instrument) into the vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart and using a plastic brush to remove some cells from the surface of the cervix and from the passageway through the cervix (cervical canal). The samples are sent to a laboratory, where they are examined under a microscope to look for abnormal cells, which may indicate precancerous changes or, rarely, cervical cancer. Usually, the Pap test feels scratchy or crampy, but it is not painful and takes only a few seconds. Pap tests identify most cervical cancers, even very early-stage cancer. They can also detect precancerous changes in cervical cells. These changes, called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), can be treated, thus helping prevent cancer from progressing and spreading. Pap tests are most accurate if the woman is not having her period and does not douche or use vaginal creams for at least 24 hours before the test. Experts now recommend that the first Pap test be done in most women after the age of 21 years. Women with an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection may be tested at a younger age. How often testing is needed depends mainly on the woman’s age and the results of previous Pap tests: Under age 21: Screening not needed From age 21 to 30: Testing is usually done every 3 years using a Pap test alone. HPV testing is optional and somewhat discouraged because HPV infection is common among young adult women and often goes away on its own. From age 30 to 65: Testing is done every 3 years if only a Pap test is done or every 5 years if a Pap test and a test for HPV are done. However, women with a high risk of cervical cancer need to be tested more frequently. Such women include those who have an HIV infection, who have a weakened immune system (which may result from taking a drug or having a disorder that suppresses the immune system), or who have had abnormal Pap test results. After age 65: Most women no longer need to be tested if they have had no abnormal test result in the last 10 years. Pap tests in older women may be resumed or continued if a woman has a new sex partner or if she has several sex partners. Women who have had their uterus completely removed (total hysterectomy) and have not had any abnormal Pap test results do not need to be screened for cervical cancer. However, if the hysterectomy left cervix in place, screening is needed. (The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.) Women at risk of Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) should be screened yearly for these diseases, even if they have no symptoms. At-risk women include the following: Sexually active women aged 25 and younger Women who are just beginning sexual activity Women who have several sex partners Women whose partner is bisexual or whose partner has had several sex partners Women who have had a sexually transmitted infection Women who do not consistently use a barrier contraceptive (such as a condom) and are not in a mutually monogamous relationship or are unsure whether the relationship is mutually monogamous Pregnant women Women who have a vaginal discharge Women who think they may have a sexually transmitted infection can request screening. For most sexually transmitted infections, the doctor uses a swab to obtain a small amount of cervical discharge from the cervix. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Testing for Gonorrhea and A doctor may consider screening women for HPV if any of the following are present: They are 30 years old or older. A Pap test detected abnormalities that may result from HPV infection. The results of a Pap test were not clear. HPV can cause Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and may increase the risk of If women are having problems with becoming pregnant, doctors may take a sample of mucus from cervix and examine it. Based on the appearance of the mucus, doctors may recommend additional tests Diagnosis fully. 