About.com

Second Hand Smoke and Abnormal Paps

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:23:19 +0000

A recent study shows that second hand smoke increases the risk of abnormal pap smears. While second hand smoke was not proven to cause cervical cancer, it does prove to cause abnormalities in cervical tissue. In the study, the women who said they were exposed to some second hand smoke were 70 more likely to have an abnormal result.

...

Read Full Post

A Healthy Cervix in 2010

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 22:09:33 +0000

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

Although a healthy cervix is an unlikely addition to a woman's New Year's resolutions list, it is one that shouldn't be overlooked! The cervix may be a very small part of the body, but is vital organ in the female reproductive system. (See "What is a Cervix and Why Do I Need It?") Resolving to maintain and promote cervical health is one of the best resolutions any woman can make! Check out these simple ways to have a healthy cervix in 2010.

...

Read Full Post

New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Released

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:37:46 +0000

For those at average risk of breast and cervical cancer, it has been a busy week! Last week new, more lenient mammography guidelines were recommended, stirring up controversy among cancer organizations and political cynics. Today, we see changes in cervical cancer screening guidelines, issued by The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Like the updated mammography guidelines, ACOG is recommending less Pap smear tests for women of average risk of cervical cancer. Women who have had abnormal cervical screenings should continue to follow their doctors recommendations as the new guidelines only apply to women of average risk.

...

Read Full Post

The Same Virus That Causes Cervical Cancer is the Culprit of Anal Cancer Too

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:33:49 +0000

Anal cancer has been put in the spotlight with Farrah Fawcetts's battle with the disease. What many people are starting to learn is that a common virus, HPV, is a major risk risk factor for developing anal cancer.

...

Read Full Post

FDA Approves Gardasil for Males

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:03:11 +0000

The FDA has given their approval to expand the use of Gardasil to include males. The vaccine, which provides protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV), is targeted for males ages 9 to 26. It will help prevent two strains of HPV known to cause genital warts in both men and women. The vaccine has not yet been included in the CDC's vaccine schedule for males, but it is likely to be included. Until Gardasil is included in the vaccine schedule, most insurance companies will not likely cover the cost of the vaccine, which is about $360. The good news is that the CDC is expected to meet next week to discuss Gardasil's inclusion, so there shouldn't be too long of a delay in getting males vaccinated.

...

Read Full Post

Do Condoms Protect Against HPV?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:08:20 +0000

I have always practiced safe sex by using a condom, but my doctor says that I have HPV. How is this possible? Don't condoms prevent HPV?
-An About.com Cervical Cancer reader

...

Read Full Post

Should You Tell Your Partner If You Have HPV?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:04:23 +0000

Recently, a reader posted a question about whether you should tell your partner if you have HPV. HPV is a common virus with serious health consequences, but is it so common that we underestimate the health effects? I spoke to a group recently who had mixed feelings about telling their partner. Here are some of the responses:

...

Read Full Post

What to Do If You Need a Pap Smear and Don't Have Insurance

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:50:16 +0000

Too many women go without having regular Pap smears because they are uninsured and cannot afford the out of pocket expense. Thanks to federal and state programs, no woman has to go without having a regular Pap smear - regardless of income or insurance coverage. Help is available - women just need to know where to look!

Regular Pap smears are vital to optimum cervical health. This means having one on a regular basis - as directed by their doctor. A Pap smear is not a diagnostic test, but a screening tool. Screening tests identify abnormalities when the patient has no symptoms, while a diagnostic test helps identify the cause of symptoms in the form of a diagnosis of illness or disease. The Pap smear helps identify women who are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Since it is not considered a diagnostic tool, it is essential that women have one regularly.

_{Photo (c) Muriel Miralles de Sawick}

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:43:52 +0000

When it comes to cervical cancer, it's best not to rely on symptoms to alert you that something may be wrong. Cervical cancer is a complicated disease that normally doesn't produce symptoms until the cancer has spread. Then cervical cancer symptoms begin to appear. Read more about cervical cancer symptoms...

Want to Check Your Symptoms?

Learning what your symptoms may be caused by is only a click away with the About.com Symptom Checker! It is an interactive program that allows you explore what your symptoms could mean based on important factors like age and gender. Plus, the information is provided by Harvard Medical. Check your symptoms...

ASCUS Pap Smear Results - What Do They Mean?

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:39:34 +0000

I know the feeling of getting a call from your gynecologist's office two weeks after having a Pap smear. You have been expecting a card in the mail with "Normal ...

Read Full Post