🍑 https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/symptoms-and-diseases/your-first-pap-smear 🍑

2020 Update 2012 old 2018 former rec. Ages <25 No screening Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 25‒29 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) , HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) or Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 30‒65 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) or HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) or HPV/Pap cotest every 3 years (preferred) or Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5 years, or HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years Age 65 + No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal and not at high risk for cancer

2020 ACS 2012 ACS 2018 USPSTF Age 21‒24 No screening Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 25‒29 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years Pap test every 3 years Age 30‒65 HPV test every 5 years (preferred) HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) HPV/Pap cotest every 3 years (preferred) Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5 years, or HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years Age 65 and older No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal No screening if a series of prior tests were normal and not at high risk for cervical cancer

HPV test may be a superior form of screening. Thus far results from studies demonstrated that primary HPV testing detects cervical neoplasia earlier and more accurately than the Pap smear ♥️

https://www.kristiangevinemd.com/yearly-pap-smears/

🍑 In Scotland and Wales you are invited every 5 years between age 25 and 64. Smear tests can help stop you getting cervical cancer. It is your choice whether to have a smear test. Some carers, guardians, doctors or nurses don't think women with a learning disability need a smear test. All women between age 25 and 64 are asked if they want to have a smear test. 🍑

If thinking about female screening is too much, you can ask your doctor to take your name off the cervical screening automatic invitation list until you feel stronger. Please be aware that you may be asked why you want your name removed. 🍑 It is also important to remember it is your choice whether to go for said screening and, if you do go, you are in control of the test. 🍑 You may find it helpful to: Ask them to talk you through the test beforehand and show you. Tell them what words or phrases you prefer or are comfortable with, to help them avoid any language that may be distressing. Tell them how heavy or light their touch should be, or not to press certain areas if possible. Ask whether you can insert the speculum yourself, if that would feel more comfortable. Ask for a longer or double appointment. This allows you a little extra breathing space before and after the test, so you can take the appointment at a pace that is more comfortable for you. Knowing your limits Remember that if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or distressed, it is your right to stop or pause the test at any time – whether you simply want a short time to collect yourself, or you would prefer to leave altogether. 🍑 https://www.jostrust.org.uk/forum

https://www.kristiangevinemd.com/pap-smears/

If thinking about female screening is too much, you can ask your doctor to take your name off the cervical screening automatic invitation list until you feel stronger. Please be aware that you may be asked why you want your name removed. 🍑 It is also important to remember it is your choice whether to go for said screening and, if you do go, you are in control of the test. 🍑 You may find it helpful to: Ask them to talk you through the test beforehand and show you the speculum and brush. Tell them what words or phrases you prefer or are comfortable with, to help them avoid any language that may be distressing. Tell them how heavy or light their touch should be, or not to touch certain areas if possible. Ask whether you can insert the speculum yourself, if that would feel more comfortable. Ask for a longer or double appointment. This allows you a little extra breathing space before and after the test, so you can take the appointment at a pace that is more comfortable for you. Knowing your limits Remember that if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or distressed, it is your right to stop or pause the test at any time – whether you simply want a short time to collect yourself, or you would prefer to leave altogether. 🍑 https://www.jostrust.org.uk/forum

🍑 What are the different types of cervical biopsies? Three different methodsTrusted Source are used to remove tissue from your cervix: Colposcopic (punch) biopsy. In this method, small pieces of tissue are taken with an instrument called “biopsy forceps.” Your might be stained with a dye to make it easier for your doctor to see any abnormalities. Cone biopsy. This surgery uses a scalpel or laser to remove large, cone-shaped pieces of tissue from. You’ll be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep. Endocervical curettage (ECC). During this procedure, cells are removed from the endocervical canal. This is done with a hand-held instrument called a “curette.” It has a tip shaped like a small scoop or hook. 🍑

NHS started a new policy which means they test your sample for HPV first and if it is negative you are considered low risk of reproductive cancer.

💉 I'll have it done under general anaesthetic. 💉

🍑 If you’re nervous or have a lower pain threshold there are a few things you can do to help reduce any potential discomfort. Before When you schedule your appointment ask if you can take ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. Over-the-counter pain medication can reduce the feeling of discomfort. Ask someone to come to your appointment with you. You may feel more comfortable if you bring someone you trust with you. This could be a parent, partner, or friend. If you’d like, they can stand next to you during the Pap smear or they can simply wait in the waiting room — whatever makes you feel more comfortable. When Pap smears are uncomfortable it’s often because there’s a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region. Urinating beforehand can relieve some of this pressure. In some cases, your doctor might request a urine sample so be sure to ask if it’s OK to use the restroom beforehand. During Ask your doctor to use the smallest speculum size. Often, there are a range of different speculum sizes. Let your doctor know you’re worried about the pain and that you’d prefer a smaller size. If you’re worried it will be cold ask for a plastic speculum. Plastic speculums are warmer than metal ones. If they only have metal speculums ask them to warm it up. Ask your doctor to describe what’s happening so that you aren’t caught off guard. If you’d prefer to know exactly what’s happening as it’s happening ask them to describe what they’re doing. Some people also find it helpful to chat with their doctor during the exam. If you’d rather not hear about it ask if you can wear headphones during the exam. You could play relaxing music through your headphones to help soothe any anxiety and take your mind off of what’s happening. Practice deep breathing during the exam. Breathing deeply can soothe your nerves so try to focus on your breath. Try to relax your pelvic muscles. It may feel instinctual to squeeze your pelvic muscles when you feel pain or discomfort but squeezing could add pressure to your pelvic region. Deep breathing may help you relax your muscles. Speak up if it hurts! If it’s painful, let your provider know. 🍑

🍑 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens-at-your-appointment/ 🍑