Pap Smear Test: A Pap smear test can detect certain viral infections that are known to cause cervical cancer. There are few risks during a Pap smear procedure. Types of abnormal Pap test results include atypical squamous cells; atypical grandular cells; endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ; low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Pap smear is recommended even for women in menopause or who are postmenopausal.

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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can be cured if it is detected and treated early. Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection, smoking, oral contraceptive use, and having a weakened immune system. Treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Cervicitis

Cervicitis is inflammation of a woman's cervix, and may be caused by STD's or injuries to the cervix. Cervicitis symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding, itching, and itching; lower back pain; and pain during intercourse. Treatment of cervicitis is generally with prescribed antibiotics.
Colposcopy

Colposcopy is the direct magnified inspection of the surface of a woman's genital area, including the cervix, vagina, and vulva, using a light source and a binocular microscope.
Common Health Tests

Common health tests may be performed in your doctor's office or even in the pharmacy. Regular health checks and screening for certain diseases and conditions have become routine for most. Common health tests include a mammogram, cholesterol tests, and colonoscopy.
Checkup

Some people expect to have a yearly medical checkup, and others feel that a checkup once every two to three years is sufficient. In the past, most medical groups advocated an annual health exam. However, more recently, the American Medical Association and other similar groups have moved away from the yearly exam.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death.

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Common Health Tests Common health tests may be performed in your doctor's office or even in the pharmacy. Regular health checks and screening for certain diseases and conditions have become routine for most. Common health tests include a mammogram, cholesterol tests, and colonoscopy.

Expert Views and News

Experts Continue to Scale Back Annual Pap Smear
Could the HPV Test Replace the Pap Test?
Pap Test to Detect Ovarian, Endometrial Cancers?
Pap Tests Often Given When Not Needed
Cervical Cancer: Uninsured Are Diagnosed Later
FDA Approves New HPV Test
Older Women Need Pap Smears, Too