Pap smears are only every 5 years now because it's now known that Cervical cancer takes years to develop so you only need a Pap smear every 5 years.
ACS recommends cervical cancer screening with an HPV test alone every 5 years for everyone with a cervix from age 25 until age 65.
If HPV testing alone is not available, people can get screened with an HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.
When your Pap is normal but your HPV is positive it means that the type of HPV you have is at high risk for cervical cancer.
The HPV positive does not mean you have cervical cancer or are developing cervical cancer as of now but it means that you're at risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.
A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. This is good news.
But you still need to get Pap tests in the future. New cell changes can still form on your cervix.
Pap smears do not hurt if you're a virgin or even if you're not a virgin.
A Pap smear is not painful although you might feel a bit of discomfort.
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.
A woman should get her first Pap smear at age 21 even if the woman is not sexually active.
Women do not need pap smears until they are 21 years of age, even if they are sexually active.
Why? The human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer requires five years or more to actually cause significant cell change on the cervix.
A Pap smear is a procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
Most cervical cancers are caused by a long lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex.
People younger than 20 years old rarely develop cervical cancer.
The risk goes up between the late teens and mid-30s.
People past this age group remain at risk and need to have regular cervical cancer screenings, which include a Pap test and/or an HPV test.
Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Routine screening can prevent most cervical cancers by allowing health care providers to find and remove precancerous cells before they develop into cancer.
But HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer.
Most women with HPV don't get cervical cancer, and other risk factors, like smoking and HIV infection, influence which women exposed to HPV are more likely to develop cervical cancer.
Some things you can do to protect yourself from cervical cancer include.
Get an HPV vaccine. Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.
Get regular pap tests. Regular pap tests help your doctor find and treat any changing cells prior to turning into cancer.
Be monogamous.
Use condoms.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
The early warning signs of cervical cancer are.
Vaginal bleeding (either after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause)
Abnormal vaginal discharge (heavy or with a foul odor)
Pain during intercourse.
Pelvic pain.
Lower back pain.
Pain and swelling in legs.
Unexplained weight loss.
Decreased appetite.
The survival rate of cervical cancer is close to 100% when you find and treat precancerous or early cancerous changes.
The prognosis for invasive cervical cancer depends on the stage.
More than 90% of women with stage 0 survive at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Stage I cervical cancer patients have a 5-year survival rate of 80% to 93%.