Cervical Health Awareness Month is held every January to emphasise the significance of cervical health. It also focuses on measures to prevent cervical cancer and other related conditions from occurring. Cervical cancer stands out as a preventable cancer, but it affects countless women across the globe. Promoting awareness of periodic screenings is crucial to lessening the chances of developing cervical cancer as well as seeking timely medical intervention.
Understanding Cervical Health: Why It Matters?
The “cervix” is a small but crucial part of a woman’s reproductive system. It connects the vagina with the uterus. The cervix also plays a vital part in menstrual health and pregnancy. If any cervix-related problem occurs, it can cause complications such as infertility, premature birth, and miscarriage. It's vital to maintain cervical health to improve reproductive health.
Cervical health has a massive influence on general well-being. Ailments that affect the cervix can lead to emotional stress, irregular bleeding, and physical pain. You can opt for preventive care as it will support both mental and physical health, enhancing the quality of life.
Common Cervical Health Issues
Recognising cervical health issues and understanding the indications, causes, and treatment modes will enable you to take care of your cervical health. Let’s look at some such ailments.
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Cervical Cancer
- What it is: The form of carcinoma occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in the cervix. This happens because of high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus, which causes changes in the cells.
- Symptoms: During the early phase, cervical cancer is difficult to detect as you will not experience any symptoms. However, in advanced stages, you will experience pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding.
- Prevention: Periodic HPV testing and Pap smear are vital for early identification. Doctors may also prescribe the HPV vaccine.
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Cervicitis
- What it is: The cervicitis is an inflammation that occurs in the cervix. This happens due to infections, which include STIs, such as Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia.
- Symptoms: Bleeding between two cycles of menstruation, pain during sex, and abnormal vaginal discharge are noticeable symptoms.
- Prevention: It's crucial to practice safe sex and opt for treatment for infections and periodic STI screenings.
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HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- What it is: The Human Papillomavirus consists of more than 100 virus strains. Some of these strains cause cervical cancer. The majority of sexually active individuals might encounter this condition at some point.
- Symptoms: Many HPV infections don't show any symptoms and go away by themselves. However, some strains cause abnormal changes in the cells in the cervix or genital warts.
- Prevention: Taking the HPV vaccine can help prevent HPV. Periodic screenings can identify cell changes during the early phase.
Importance of Regular Cervical Screenings
The cervical cancer month encourages all women to opt for cervical screenings as it is an effective way to maintain the health of the cervix. Identifying all the changes during the early stage will enable them to seek medical attention before they turn severe.
Doctors may advise HPV tests. Women who are over the age of 30 might also have to get the HPV test done along with a Pap smear. A Pap Test (or Pap Smear) is done to collect the cells from the cervix to look for abnormalities.
Cervical cancer is known to advance gradually. Hence, early screening helps in diagnosing and treating the ailment more effectively. Detecting all cervical problems at the early phase helps avoid costly treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery.
So, how often should women get screened? Women should get screened as per their age —
- Ages between 21 and 29: Women should have a Pap smear every three years if the results are normal.
- Ages between 30 and 65: Women can opt for a Pap smear every three years or combine Pap and HPV testing every five years.
- Over the age of 65: Women with a history of normal screening results may no longer need regular screening.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is known as the 4th most common form of carcinoma in women across the globe. However, it is preventable. Detecting its symptoms during the early phase will help you stop the cancer from progressing further. However, getting the best treatment can also cause financial strain. That’s why opting for a health insurance policy will help significantly as you can avail of quality healthcare and focus on recovery without worrying about the financial aspect.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.