American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Pap Smear (Pap Test)
A Pap smear is a medical exam used to determine if a woman has cervical cancer. It’s performed by a… developing. Path to improved health When should I begin having Pap smears? The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) does not recommend Pap smears for women who…
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Women’s Guide to Preventive Care
It’s important for women to take an active approach to health care. This means making it a priority to schedule… Physicians (AAFP) does not recommend Pap smears for women under age 21. Women 21 to 29 years of age should have a Pap smear every…
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Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol, or DES, is a synthetic form of estrogen given to millions of pregnant women from 1938-1971 to prevent complications… a colposcope) to magnify the view of the tissues in your vagina and cervix. It is important to have pelvic exams and Pap smears every…
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What You Can Do to Maintain Your Health
Good health can decrease your risk of developing certain conditions. Learn what you can do to maintain your health… factors, such as family history. One way to detect breast cancer is to do a monthly self-exam. Women should get routine pap smears, as well. Women…
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Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is when there are abnormal, or precancerous, cells in and around a woman’s cervix. This doesn’t mean you… cervix. The vagina opens up into the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. Cervical dysplasia is detected by a pap test (pap…
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Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a women’s health exam. It uses a special light to provide a close look at your cervix… colposcope. It shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the view. A colposcopy often is done if you have an abnormal Pap smear. The…
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Taking Care of You and Your Baby While You're Pregnant
It’s important to take care of your baby, even before he or she is born. Do this with a healthy… background and risk for problems. Tests can include: A pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb). A Pap smear to…
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Polyps
Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that latch onto the walls, or lining, of your organs. The colon is the… see or feel it. Colon polyps often are diagnosed during a colorectal screening. Cervical and uterine polyps may be diagnosed during a pap smear or…
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of female reproductive organs. It can make it hard to get pregnant and cause… vagina, the urethra (passageway for urine), or the anus. Sometimes PID can occur after the cervix is treated due to an abnormal Pap smear or…
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Preventive Services for Healthy Living
A preventive service might be a test, an immunization or vaccine, or advice from your doctor. These services can detect… What preventive services do women need? Adult women should have their weight and blood pressure checked regularly. They should also have a Pap test (also…
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Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is painful sex for women and can also cause pain during tampon use. Dyspareunia can have many causes… a speculum. This helps the doctor gently open the area for the exam. It is similar to the way you get a Pap smear. For some…
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Vulvar Cancer
Cancer of the vulva most often affects the two skin folds (or lips) around the vagina, known as the labia… or talking to a therapist about your feelings. Invite your family to do the same. Questions to Ask Your Doctor Can a Pap smear detect…
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Cancer: Medical Vocabulary
When you are diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming. You have your feelings to deal with, plus a whole… study of cancer. Palliative Care: Therapy that focuses on improving one’s quality of life rather than curing his or her cancer. Pap Smear: A test…
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus… will be able to diagnose it with an examination. For women, diagnosis of HPV often starts with abnormal results from a routine Pap test. When you have a Pap test (or “smear”), the doctor will take a sample…
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Understanding Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Results
Cervical cancer screening is important and has saved lives… Cervical cancer screening is an important part of preventing cancer or detecting it early. Two tests are used for screenings: the Pap test (or smear) and the HPV test. The Pap test checks for cell…
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Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is abnormal growth of cells in a woman’s cervix. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human… Cervical cancer is the most common kind of cancer caused by HPV. How is cervical cancer diagnosed? Abnormal results from a routine Pap test (or…
