DOCSLIB.ORG

When Should You Get a Pap Test and Why?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
When Should You Get a Pap Test and Why? healthy living When Should You Get a Pap Test and Why? can usually be treated with simple office changes are found and treated early, procedures. Because of the Pap test, before cervical cancer develops. many fewer women now die from cer- HPV can be spread during sex and vical cancer. through skin-to-skin contact. Genital HPV cannot be prevented by using How does a woman get condoms. Using condoms is still impor- cervical cancer? tant because it helps prevent other Scientists think that certain types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer. HPV is a com- Should I see my doctor? mon virus that can be passed from one Women should go to their doctor or partner to another during sex. Most health care professional if there are people carry HPV, briefly, multiple any visible signs of genital warts. This A Pap test can find changes times in their lives, but the immune includes unusual bumps or skin in the cells of the cervix. system clears the virus without any changes on or near the vagina, vulva, negative effects. There are many types anus, or groin (where the genital area Pap test—often called a Pap of HPV, and most of them are harm- meets the inner thigh). You should Asmear—is a quick test done less. A few types of HPV are linked also see your doctor if you have any during an office visit. It can help with cervical precancer and cancer. unusual itching, pain, or bleeding. find early changes in cervical cells Other types of HPV cause genital Men should go to their doctor or and prevent cervical cancer. Your warts, though most people with HPV health care professional if there are doctor or health care professional have no visible signs or symptoms. any unusual bumps or skin changes gently removes cells from your on the penis, scrotum, or groin. cervix (the part of the uterus or Smoking may increase your chance of womb at the top of the vagina) developing cervical cancer, especially if HPV Vaccine during a pelvic exam. The cells you have HPV. If you are a smoker and would like to quit, we can help. We recommend that girls get the HPV are sent to a lab to see if they vaccine at their pre-teen check up when might turn into cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor or health care professional, visit kp.org/quitsmoking, they are 11 to 12 years old (preferably Most Pap tests are negative. This or go to your Health Education before they are sexually active). The vac- means that the cells are normal and Department for more information. cine can prevent the types of HPV healthy. If there are changes in the linked to harmful changes in the cervix cells on your cervix, you may need How can I protect myself from as well as those that cause genital warts. further testing to find out if you cervical cancer? Young women age 19 to 26 should talk have changes that might lead to with their doctor to see if the vaccine cancer (precancerous). The best way to protect yourself from might be right for them. Vaccination of cervical cancer is to get regular Pap women older than 18 is much less likely Why is it important to get tests. Changes in the cells of the cervix to prevent precancerous changes than if a Pap test? are present for years in most women the vaccine is given before the start of A Pap test can find changes in the who eventually develop cervical cancer. sexual activity. The vaccine is not cells of the cervix. These changes Cervical cancer can be prevented if cell approved for women over age 26. HEALTH EDUCATION healthy living When Should You Get a Pap Test and Why? Who should get a Pap test? follow up with regular Pap plus If you had a partial hysterectomy You should get a Pap test every three HPV tests every three years. This (only your uterus was removed) and years if you are 21-65 years old. does not mean you can’t see your you still have your cervix, you may doctor more often; it just means that stop having Pap tests under the same You should discuss how often to you do not need testing for cervical circumstances as women who have have a Pap test with your doctor if: cancer more often. If your HPV test not had a hysterectomy. • You have had an abnormal is positive, you need to have a Pap Pap test plus HPV test every year until your Do I need a Pap test if I do • You have had cancer of the cervix, HPV becomes negative. not have sexual intercourse? vulva, or vagina You should also get a Pap test if: It is recommended that all women who are between the ages of 21 How often should I get a • You are a new member. and 65 (and have not had a total Pap test? • You have recently returned to hysterectomy) have Pap tests. This is Kaiser Permanente, and have because HPV is present in people’s Women under 30 not had a Pap test at Kaiser mouths and under their fingernails Kaiser Permanente recommends that Permanente in the past three years. and can occasionally be transmitted women under the age of 30 get a • You have never had a Pap test. by intimate contact other than Pap test every three years (after sexual intercourse. having had two normal yearly Pap If you had a Pap test that was not tests in a row). Cervical cells become normal, you and your doctor will cancerous very slowly. A Pap test decide how often you need to get every three years can find changes in tested. Additional resources cells early on, which can usually be If you have bleeding between peri- • Connect to your physician or nurse treated during an office procedure ods, pain in your lower abdomen, or practitioner’s home page at before they progress to cancer. This other symptoms, see your doctor or kp.org/my doctor or go to kp.org recommendation reflects the fact health care professional right away. to access more health and drug that almost all women who get information, interactive programs, cervical cancer are age 30 or older. When can I stop having health classes, and more. HPV testing is not routinely done Pap tests? • If you are hurt or threatened by a partner or spouse, including pres- under the age of 30 because positive You can stop having Pap tests if: tests are so common that they don’t suring or forcing you to have sex, or refusing to wear a condom to provide reliable results. • You are over 65 and have had at least 3 normal Pap tests in the protect against pregnancy or STDs, past 10 years; or this can seriously affect your Women 30 and older health. There is help. Call the At age 30 and over, the risk of • You are over 65 and have had a National Domestic Violence Hotline cervical cancer is greater and the negative HPV test and a normal at 1-800-799-7233 or connect to chance of having a positive HPV test Pap test; or ndvh.org. is lower, so you should have a Pap • You have had a total hysterectomy • Contact your facility’s Health test plus an HPV test. If both tests (where your cervix was removed) Education Center or Department are negative, your risk of cervical and you have no history of cancer for health information, programs, and other resources. cancer is extremely low. You should of the cervix, vulva, or vagina. This information is not intended to diagnose or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. © 2007, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Regional Health Education. 915800013 (Revised 12-10) RL 7.6.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hysteroscopy with Dilation and Curretage (D & C)
    501 19th Street, Trustees Tower FORT SANDERS WOMEN’S SPECIALISTS 1924 Pinnacle Point Way Suite 401, Knoxville Tn 37916 P# 865-331-1122 F# 865-331-1976 Suite 200, Knoxville Tn 37922 Dr. Curtis Elam, M.D., FACOG, AIMIS, Dr. David Owen, M.D., FACOG, Dr. Brooke Foulk, M.D., FACOG Dr. Dean Turner M.D., FACOG, ASCCP, Dr. F. Robert McKeown III, M.D., FACOG, AIMIS, Dr. Steven Pierce M.D., Dr. G. Walton Smith, M.D., FACOG, Dr. Susan Robertson, M.D., FACOG HYSTEROSCOPY WITH DILATION AND CURRETAGE (D & C) Please read and sign the following consent form when you feel that you completely understand the surgical procedure that is to be performed and after you have asked all of your questions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office prior to your procedure so that we may clarify any pertinent issues. Definition: HysterosCopy is an outpatient procedure that allows your doctor direct visualization of the inside of the uterine cavity (womb) by inserting a thin lighted telescope (hysteroscope) through the vagina (birth canal) and cervix, without making an abdominal incision. This procedure enables your doctor to examine the lining of the uterus, look for polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, blockages of the fallopian tubes, and abnormal partitions. In addition, this procedure allows your doctor to remove or surgically treat many of the abnormalities seen. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) allows your doctor to take a sample of the tissue that lines your uterus (endometrium) and/or to remove polyps, fibroid tumors, or hyperplasia. Suction D&C is used in cases of miscarriage.
    [Show full text]
  • A Discursive Approach to Female Circumcision: Why the United Nations Should Drop the One-Sided Conversation in Favor of the Vagina Dialogues
    NORTH CAROLINA JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LAW Volume 38 Number 2 Article 6 Winter 2013 A Discursive Approach to Female Circumcision: Why the United Nations Should Drop the One-Sided Conversation in Favor of the Vagina Dialogues Kathleen Bradshaw Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.unc.edu/ncilj Recommended Citation Kathleen Bradshaw, A Discursive Approach to Female Circumcision: Why the United Nations Should Drop the One-Sided Conversation in Favor of the Vagina Dialogues, 38 N.C. J. INT'L L. 601 (2012). Available at: https://scholarship.law.unc.edu/ncilj/vol38/iss2/6 This Note is brought to you for free and open access by Carolina Law Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in North Carolina Journal of International Law by an authorized editor of Carolina Law Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Discursive Approach to Female Circumcision: Why the United Nations Should Drop the One-Sided Conversation in Favor of the Vagina Dialogues Cover Page Footnote International Law; Commercial Law; Law This note is available in North Carolina Journal of International Law: https://scholarship.law.unc.edu/ncilj/vol38/iss2/ 6 A Discursive Approach to Female Circumcision: Why the United Nations Should Drop the One-Sided Conversation in Favor of the Vagina Dialogues KATHLEEN BRADSHAWt I. Introduction ........................................602 II. Background................................ 608 A. Female Circumcision ...................... 608 B. International Legal Response....................610 III. Discussion......................... ........ 613 A. Foreign Domestic Legislation............. ... .......... 616 B. Enforcement.. ...................... ...... 617 C. Cultural Insensitivity: Bad for Development..............620 1. Human Rights, Culture, and Development: The United Nations ................... ............... 621 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Developmental Abnormalities Easy to Misdiagnose
    8 Gynecology O B .GYN. NEWS • March 15, 2005 Developmental Abnormalities Easy to Misdiagnose BY JANE SALODOF MACNEIL inappropriate surgery, according to Dr. even an entity called obstructed hemi- Abnormalities of the vulva include con- Contributing Writer Zurawin, chief of the section of pediatric vagina.” genital labial fusion, which he said could and adolescent gynecology at Baylor and Clitoral hypertrophy is the only devel- be corrected with a simple flap proce- H OUSTON — Developmental abnor- of the gynecology service at Texas Chil- opmental abnormality of the clitoris, ac- dure. Surgery is rarely used, however, for malities of the vulva and vagina are often dren’s Hospital in Houston. cording to Dr. Zurawin. It used to be acquired labial agglutination. “This is one easy to correct, but also easy to misdiag- “You need to be familiar with the syn- treated by clitoridectomy with “very un- of most common referrals from pediatri- nose, Robert K. Zurawin, M.D., warned at dromes before you treat. Many people satisfactory results,” he said, describing cians, because they don’t know what to do a conference on vulvovaginal diseases are confronted with these conditions, and more conservative procedures in use to- with it and they are afraid,” Dr. Zurawin sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine. they don’t know what they really are,” he day. “This is mainly a cosmetic problem said. Many physicians have not been trained said. “With the obstructions, for example, for patients, and the surgical management He attributed most cases to diaper rash, to recognize these rare disorders and, as a they may just think it is an imperforate hy- is resection of the enlarged clitoris,” he bubble baths, and detergents that can in- result, run the risk of doing excessive or men and are not even aware that there is said.
    [Show full text]
  • Vaginal Screening After Hysterectomy in Australia
    CATEGORY: BEST PRACTICE Vaginal screening after hysterectomy in Australia Objectives: To provide advice on vaginal This statement has been developed and screening after hysterectomy. reviewed by the Women’s Health Committee and approved by the RANZCOG Target audience: Health professionals Board and Council. providing gynaecological care. A list of Women’s Health Committee Values: The evidence was reviewed by the Members can be found in Appendix A. Women’s Health Committee (RANZCOG), and applied to local factors relating to Disclosure statements have been received Australia. from all members of this committee. Background: This statement was first developed by Women’s Health Disclaimer This information is intended to Committee in November 2010 and provide general advice to practitioners. This reviewed in March 2020. information should not be relied on as a substitute for proper assessment with respect Funding: This statement was developed by to the particular circumstances of each RANZCOG and there are no relevant case and the needs of any patient. This financial disclosures. document reflects emerging clinical and scientific advances as of the date issued and is subject to change. The document has been prepared having regard to general circumstances. First endorsed by RANZCOG: November 2010 Current: March 2020 Review due: March 2023 1 1. Introduction In December 2017, the National Cervical Screening Program in Australia changed from 2 yearly cervical cytology testing to 5 yearly primary HPV screening with reflex liquid-based cytology for those women in whom oncogenic HPV is detected in women aged 25–74 years. New Zealand has not yet transitioned to primary HPV screening.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 – the Following CPT Codes Are Approved for Billing Through Women’S Way
    WHAT’S COVERED – 2021 Women’s Way CPT Code Medicare Part B Rate List Effective January 1, 2021 For questions, call the Women’s Way State Office 800-280-5512 or 701-328-2389 • CPT codes that are specifically not covered are 77061, 77062 and 87623 • Reimbursement for treatment services is not allowed. (See note on page 8). • CPT code 99201 has been removed from What’s Covered List • New CPT codes are in bold font. 2021 – The following CPT codes are approved for billing through Women’s Way. Description of Services CPT $ Rate Office Visits New patient; medically appropriate history/exam; straightforward decision making; 15-29 minutes 99202 72.19 New patient; medically appropriate history/exam; low level decision making; 30-44 minutes 99203 110.77 New patient; medically appropriate history/exam; moderate level decision making; 45-59 minutes 99204 165.36 New patient; medically appropriate history/exam; high level decision making; 60-74 minutes. 99205 218.21 Established patient; evaluation and management, may not require presence of physician; 99211 22.83 presenting problems are minimal Established patient; medically appropriate history/exam, straightforward decision making; 10-19 99212 55.88 minutes Established patient; medically appropriate history/exam, low level decision making; 20-29 minutes 99213 90.48 Established patient; medically appropriate history/exam, moderate level decision making; 30-39 99214 128.42 minutes Established patient; comprehensive history exam, high complex decision making; 40-54 minutes 99215 128.42 Initial comprehensive
    [Show full text]
  • FGM in Canada
    Compiled by Patricia Huston MD, MPH Scientific Communications International, Inc for the Federal Interdepartmental Working Group on FGM. Copies of this report are available from: Women's Health Bureau Health Canada [email protected] The Canadian Women's Health Network 203-419 Graham Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0M3 fax: (204)989-2355 The opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the Government of Canada or any of the other organizations represented. Dedication This report is dedicated to all the women in the world who have undergone FGM and to all the people who are helping them live with and reverse this procedure. This report is part of the ongoing commitment of Canadians and the Government of Canada to stop this practice in Canada and to improve the health and well-being of affected women and their communities. Executive Summary Female genital mutilation (FGM), or the ritual excision of part or all of the external female genitalia, is an ancient cultural practice that occurs around the world today, especially in Africa. With recent immigration to Canada of peoples from Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Sudan and Nigeria, women who have undergone this practice are now increasingly living in Canada. It is firmly believed by the people who practise it, that FGM improves feminine hygiene, that it will help eliminate disease and it is thought to be the only way to preserve family honour, a girl's virginity and her marriageability. FGM has a number of important adverse health effects including risks of infection and excessive bleeding (often performed when a girl is pre-pubertal).
    [Show full text]
  • Gender Reassignment Surgery Policy Number: PG0311 ADVANTAGE | ELITE | HMO Last Review: 07/01/2021
    Gender Reassignment Surgery Policy Number: PG0311 ADVANTAGE | ELITE | HMO Last Review: 07/01/2021 INDIVIDUAL MARKETPLACE | PROMEDICA MEDICARE PLAN | PPO GUIDELINES This policy does not certify benefits or authorization of benefits, which is designated by each individual policyholder terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations contract. It does not constitute a contract or guarantee regarding coverage or reimbursement/payment. Self-Insured group specific policy will supersede this general policy when group supplementary plan document or individual plan decision directs otherwise. Paramount applies coding edits to all medical claims through coding logic software to evaluate the accuracy and adherence to accepted national standards. This medical policy is solely for guiding medical necessity and explaining correct procedure reporting used to assist in making coverage decisions and administering benefits. SCOPE X Professional X Facility DESCRIPTION Transgender is a broad term that can be used to describe people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were thought to be when they were born. Gender dysphoria (GD) or gender identity disorder is defined as evidence of a strong and persistent cross-gender identification, which is the desire to be, or the insistence that one is of the other gender. Persons with this disorder experience a sense of discomfort and inappropriateness regarding their anatomic or genetic sexual characteristics. Individuals with GD have persistent feelings of gender discomfort and inappropriateness of their anatomical sex, strong and ongoing cross-gender identification, and a desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex. Gender Dysphoria (GD) is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition, DSM-5™ as a condition characterized by the "distress that may accompany the incongruence between one’s experienced or expressed gender and one’s assigned gender" also known as “natal gender”, which is the individual’s sex determined at birth.
    [Show full text]
  • Colposcopy.Pdf
    CCololppooscoscoppyy ► Chris DeSimone, M.D. ► Gynecologic Oncology ► Images from Colposcopy Cervical Pathology, 3rd Ed., 1998 HistoHistorryy ► ColColpposcopyoscopy wwasas ppiioneeredoneered inin GGeermrmaanyny bbyy DrDr.. HinselmannHinselmann dduriurinngg tthhee 19201920’s’s ► HeHe sousougghtht ttoo prprooveve ththaatt micmicrroscopicoscopic eexaminxaminaationtion ofof thethe cervixcervix wouwoulldd detectdetect cervicalcervical ccancanceerr eeararlliierer tthhaann 44 ccmm ► HisHis workwork identidentiifiefiedd severalseveral atatyypicalpical appeappeararanancceses whwhicichh araree stistillll usedused ttooddaay:y: . Luekoplakia . Punctation . Felderung (mosaicism) Colposcopy Cervical Pathology 3rd Ed. 1998 HistoHistorryy ► ThrThrooughugh thethe 3030’s’s aanndd 4040’s’s brbreaeaktkthrhrouougghshs wwereere mamaddee regregaarrddinging whwhicichh aapppepeararancanceess wweerere moremore liklikelelyy toto prprogogressress toto invinvaasivesive ccaarcinomrcinomaa;; HHOOWEWEVVERER,, ► TheThessee ffiinndingsdings wweerere didifffficiculultt toto inteinterrpretpret sincesince theythey werweree notnot corcorrrelatedelated wwithith histologhistologyy ► OneOne resreseaearcrchherer wwouldould claclaiimm hhiiss ppatatientsients wwithith XX ffindindiingsngs nevernever hahadd ccaarcinomarcinoma whwhililee aannothotheerr emphemphaatiticcallyally belibelieevedved itit diddid ► WorldWorld wiwidede colposcopycolposcopy waswas uunnderderuutitillizizeedd asas aa diadiaggnosticnostic tooltool sseeconcondadaryry ttoo tthheseese discrepadiscrepannciescies HistoHistorryy
    [Show full text]
  • Risks of Hysteroscopy and Fractional Dilation and Curettage South Care Women's Florida
    Risks of Hysteroscopy and Fractional Dilation and Curettage South Florida Women's Care The Procedure I will be undergoing is ______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________. 1. Damage to uterus, bowel, bladder, urinary organs: Perforation of the uterus is a small risk. If that were to occur, laparoscopy (placing a camera in the umbilicus) may need to be done to make sure the uterus wasn’t bleeding and repair any damage. Cervical stenosis (inability of the cervix to dilate) can increase the rise of uterine perforation. 2. Fluid overload: Special attention is taken to monitor exactly how much fluid goes into your uterus during the hysteroscopy. Rarely, extra fluid can accumulate in your lungs, called pulmonary edema. 3. Damage to nerves, skin: We are very careful to position your legs very gently before surgery. Rarely, the nerves in your legs can “go to sleep” during surgery and can have temporary nerve damage. 4. Infection: You are given an antibiotic during surgery to decrease any risk of infection. Rarely, infection can occur after surgery and need medicine, and even surgery to correct. 5. Need for further surgery: If your procedure involves treatment for heavy bleeding (i.e. Removing a polyp or endometrial ablation), it is possible that these procedures will not cure your underlying problem and further surgery will be needed. 6. Risks for endometrial ablation: Sometimes your cervix will not close over the device and cause the procedure to be abandoned for safety reasons. There is also risk of damage to abdominal organs. About 5-10% of ablations done need further surgery (hysterectomy) to stop heavy bleeding.
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
    Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Christine M. Corbin, MD Northwest Gynecology Associates, LLC April 26, 2011 Outline l Review of normal menstrual cycle physiology l Review of normal uterine anatomy l Pathophysiology l Evaluation/Work-up l Treatment Options - Tried and true-not so new - Technology era options Menstrual cycle l Menstruation l Proliferative phase -- Follicular phase l Ovulation l Secretory phase -- Luteal phase l Menstruation....again! Menstruation l Eumenorrhea- normal, predictable menstruation - Typically 2-7 days in length - Approximately 35 ml (range 10-80 ml WNL - Gradually increasing estrogen in early follicular phase slows flow - Remember...first day of bleeding = first day of “cycle” Proliferative Phase/Follicular Phase l Gradual increase of estrogen from developing follicle l Uterine lining “proliferates” in response l Increasing levels of FSH from anterior pituitary l Follicles stimulated and compete for dominance l “Dominant follicle” reaches maturity l Estradiol increased due to follicle formation l Estradiol initially suppresses production of LH Proliferative Phase/Follicular Phase l Length of follicular phase varies from woman to woman l Often shorter in perimenopausal women which leads to shorter intervals between periods l Increasing estrogen causes alteration in cervical mucus l Mature follicle is approximately 2 cm on ultrasound measurement just prior to ovulation Ovulation l Increasing estradiol surpasses threshold and stimulates release of LH from anterior pituitary l Two different receptors for
    [Show full text]
  • Diagnostic Tests for Vaginosis/Vaginitis
    Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Diagnostic tests for vaginosis/vaginitis Christa Harstall and Paula Corabian October 1998 HTA12 Diagnostic tests for vaginosis/vaginitis Christa Harstall and Paula Corabian October 1998 © Copyight Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, 1998 This Health Technology Assessment Report has been prepared on the basis of available information of which the Foundation is aware from public literature and expert opinion, and attempts to be current to the date of publication. The report has been externally reviewed. Additional information and comments relative to the Report are welcome, and should be sent to: Director, Health Technology Assessment Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research 3125 Manulife Place, 10180 - 101 Street Edmonton Alberta T5J 3S4 CANADA Tel: 403-423-5727, Fax: 403-429-3509 This study is based, in part, on data provided by Alberta Health. The interpretation of the data in the report is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Alberta. ISBN 1-896956-15-7 Alberta's health technology assessment program has been established under the Health Research Collaboration Agreement between the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and the Alberta Health Ministry. Acknowledgements The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research is most grateful to the following persons for their comments on the draft report and for provision of information. The views expressed in the final report are those of the Foundation. Dr. Jane Ballantine, Section of General Practice, Calgary Dr. Deirdre L. Church, Microbiology, Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary Dr. Nestor N. Demianczuk, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Key Points: • a Pap Test and Pelvic Exam Are Important Parts of A
    Key Points: • A Pap test and pelvic exam are important parts of a woman’s routine health care because they can detect cancer or abnormalities that may lead to cancer of the cervix (see Question 3). • Women should have a Pap test at least once every three years, beginning about three years after they begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21 (see Question 6). • If the Pap test shows abnormalities, further tests an/or treatment may be necessary (see Question 11). • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer (see Question 13). 1. What is a Pap test? The Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus). The main purpose of the Pap test is to find abnormal cell changes that may arise from cervical cancer or before cancer develops. 2. What is a pelvic exam? In a pelvic exam, the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum are felt to find any abnormality in their shape or size. During a pelvic exam, an instrument called a speculum is used to widen the vagina so that the upper portion of the vagina and the cervix can be seen. 3. Why are a Pap test and pelvic exam important? A Pap test and pelvic exam are important parts of a woman’s routine health care because they can detect abnormalities that may lead to invasive cancer of the cervix. These abnormalities can be treated before cancer develops.
    [Show full text]