
Those with genital warts should get their HPV DNA test done to find out if they are suffering from high risk human papilloma virus infection. Regular check up and screening must be done for other STD’s and their partners should also be tested for HPV to check presence of high risk HPV. Appropriate follow-up is accordingly planned.
HPV test is recommended for women above 30 on regular basis along with their PAP Smear test. However in women who have started their sexual life early and with multiple sexual partners, the test should be done at an earlier age. Women with genital warts or with partners having genital warts should also get this test done.
Human Papilloma Virus is the name of a group of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes lining our body ie the cervix, anus, mouth and throat. HPV is highly contagious and there are more than a 100 types, out of which 40 types can affect the genital area. At times it presents in the form of warts over the skin. It is one of the most important causes of cervical cancer as well.
Vaginal infection typically presents with excessive discharge, itching and discomfort in vulvovaginal area. The discharge generally has peculiar odor, there is pain in lower abdomen and during intercourse, pain might or might not be one of the complaints. A Gynae check up is definitely needed and treatment would be required. Urinary tract infection generally presents with burning during urination & frequent urination. It’s best to avoid self medication and consult your doctor and get a urine culture.
Vaginal bleeding and spotting after menopause may be a sign of serious disorder and you must fix up an appointment and visit your doctor as soon as possible. But first, what is menopause? If you have gone without a period for more than one year, you have completed menopause and any bleeding after that is post menopausal bleeding and needs evaluation.
If your menstrual flow is heavy, its best to wait till bleeding stops because menstrual bleed can obscure the visibility of cervical cells collected in the sample and will lead to inaccurate result but if there is only spotting, you could go too for the test. If you are using vaginal pessaries for any reason, complete the course and then go for PAP Smear test.
PAP Smear test is a screening test to collect and microscopically examine cells taken from cervix (the lower part of uterus). Cervix forms a canal and opens in the vagina. The procedure involves placement of spectrum in the vagina and collecting the cells with a small plastic brush. It is a pain free test and is absolutely safe (except for those with intact hymen.)
In our current digital life style, with availibility of so many apps to remind us about our daily schedule, missing your birth control pills is not really a frequent occurrence but if it ever happens, take the pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the same strip(no need to start a new pack). But you must also use an alternate method of contraception (along with) for that particular month till you get your periods and if there is undue delay, consult your gynaecologist as soon as possible.
The standard age to get your first mammogram is 40 years of age, in the absence of any breast related complain. If there is breast cancer, in first degree relatives, then mammogram should be done earlier. Breast self examination is an option for women between their 20’s and 30’ and they should also go for periodic clinical breast examination. Current trend is to do sono mammography i.e. ultrasound of both breasts and if indicated, mammogram is taken. This alone is not an indicator of breast cancer risk – family history, lactation history and medications are also taken into account while recommending mammogram.
American Association of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, recommends first OBG exam between age 13 to 15, but in India in the absence of any menstrual or hormonal problem, first gynae check up need not be as early. We recommend first PAP smear at the age of 21 and then every 3-5 year. The best time to go for first gynaecological check up would be when you are about to become sexually active.