Normal Smear Test
The term human papillomavirus (HPV) refers to a vast group of over 100 viruses that can be transmitted through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6 million Americans become infected with HPV every year and another 20 million Americans are already carriers of the infection. HPV is closely associated with genital warts and cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina and anus in women. But thanks to an annual procedure known as a "smear test," the presence of HPV in most women can be detected in the early stages, increasing their chances of overcoming imminent cancer threats.
What Is a Smear Test?
A smear test is also known as a Pap smear or Pap test and is used by gynecologists to determine the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix and the existence of an HPV infection. Advanced Gynecology Solutions explains that during the procedure skin cells are scraped from the surface of the cervix so that they can be viewed microscopically. A skilled pathologist will analyze the tissue for abnormal cells and record his findings.
Frequency of Testing
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women under 30 years of age should receive a smear test every year, and women over 30, who have had a normal smear test for three years in a row, should have a smear test every two to three years. Women over the age of 65 who have had a normal smear test for three consecutive years, and no abnormal smear tests for a period of ten years, may be able to stop having smear tests all together.
The Normal Smear
According to OBGYN.net, the pathologist that is studying the smear test sample uses an identification system known as the "Bethesda" system. Under this system, which is the standard in the U.S., there are two results that do not warrant further testing and instead denote a normal smear test. The first is a result that shows no change to the cervix: a normal result. The second result would be that of an identified inflammation. The presence of inflammation can simply mean that a minor infection is present that can easily be treated. Neither of these results signifies any cause for concern.
Abnormal Smear
When discussing a smear test it is just as important to discuss the possible abnormal results as it is the normal. An abnormal smear test may alert the doctor to perform a few other tests that can help to conclusively decide if pre-cancer cells, cancer cells or HPV is present. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a second smear test may be performed to determine if the abnormality is something minor that will resolve on its own or an additional test may be performed on the original specimen that is more comprehensive. Colposcopy is also an option which will allow the doctor to take a close look at the cervix and perform a biopsy. In some cases, an endometrial biopsy may need to be performed.
Keeping Yourself Safe
It is important to keep in mind that there is no cure for cervical cancer or HPV. According to the National Cervical Cancer Public Education Program, unlike other sexually transmitted diseases, HPV cannot always be prevented by using a condom. This is especially true in the case of warts that can be transferred through skin to skin contact and a condom does not cover all exposed skin. The best way to ensure that your smear test is normal year after year is to engage in sex only in a committed relationship with one, uninfected partner.
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