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

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 ♥️

🍑 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

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 has been said about self collected samples for pap ‘After I made the choice, the only thing that worried me was that I wouldn’t do it properly,’ she recalls. ‘But the instructions were very clear and easy to follow, so that made me feel better about it. I’d say it was much quicker and more comfortable than doing the old Pap test, and I liked that I could do it in private.’ -Patient The Department of Health and Aged Care : (HPV) – a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers. If you are eligible and want to collect your own sample, your healthcare provider can give you a swab and instructions. A self-collected sample is taken from there so you don’t need to worry about reaching the cervix or ‘getting the right spot’. All you need to do is insert a swab a few centimetres into and rotate it for 20 to 30 seconds. Yes, it’s accurate Evidence shows a Cervical Screening Test using a self-collected sample from there is just as accurate at detecting abnormalities such as HPV as a clinician-collected sample taken from there during a speculum examination. ‘Because my doctor was so reassuring about my ability to self-collect, and the quality of the results that will come back, I found the whole experience really positive. I will definitely choose to self-collect again.’ -patient 🍑

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