Pap Smear
The American Cancer Society recommends getting yearly pap smear tests done at age 21 or within three years after you become sexually active, whichever comes first. The pap smear test, done alone, will not test for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) but will test for abnormalities in your cervical cells. The pap smear is performed during a pelvic exam by swabbing the cells of the cervical wall. The HPV test is performed the same way, and usually with the same swab. It is recommended to begin HPV testing at age 30, every three years, unless you have previously received an abnormal result on your annual pap smear. If you have received an abnormal or inconclusive result on your pap smear your doctor should immediately perform an HPV test as a follow up. There is no FDA approved HPV test for men.
Colposcopy and Biopsy
After you have received a second inconclusive or abnormal pap smear, or a positive HPV test, your doctor will do a colposcopy. During a colposcopy, your doctor will use a lighted microscope to look for precancerous or cancerous cells on the lining of your cervix and vagina. If abnormal cells are seen, your doctor will most likely perform a biopsy of those cells. A biopsy is a sample of cells that are removed. They are then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of abnormal or precancerous cells.
Treatment
If it is determined that you have abnormal cells that could progress into cervical cancer, your doctor will remove those cells. This is performed during another pelvic exam and is an outpatient procedure, usually done right in your doctor's office. Your doctor should give you a local anesthetic. He will then scrape or remove the mutated and abnormal cells. You will most likely feel mild cramping, but should be well enough to resume normal daily activities within the same day of the procedure.
Vaccination
The FDA has recently approved the use of an HPV vaccine. It is only effective in women who have not yet been exposed to the virus. This vaccine is recommended for girls between the ages of 9 and 26 years old, and guards against the four most aggressive types of HPV.
