HPV/PAP SMEARS

This week, I had my first pap test in 3 years. some of y'all hear that and might think that I've neglected my health. after all, 44% of y’all are still having annual screenings, but did you know that in 2012 these guidelines changed?

According to the american cancer society (ACS), the american society for colposcopy and cervical pathology (ASCCP) and the american society for clinical pathology (ASCP), all women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) at age 21. women aged 21 to 29, should have a pap test every 3 years and HPV testing should not be used for screening in this age group. beginning at age 30, the preferred way to screen is with a pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years. this is called co-testing and should continue until age 65.

Basically, we have been over testing and over treating. many women will develop HPV which can lead to pre-cancerous lesions and when doctors see those lesions on a pap test, they want to treat them. yet nearly all of those lesions will disappear on their own without residual effects and those that do not are easily treated years later. treating them as soon as they're spotted can lead to cervical incompetence and miscarriage down the road. also, HPV can take more than a decade to progress to cervical dysplasia or cancer.

I know my former obgyn was still scheduling annual visits for me years after these guidelines changed, but this is one of the many reasons why you must be your own advocate for your own health because women of any age should NOT be screened every year by any screening method.⠀

For more specifics on these guidelines as they apply to you and your health, please do your own research and always do what works best for you. I had my pap test with a midwife and it was calm, comfy, and chill. no stirrups🙌🏻 ask around for a midwife in your area who does well-woman check-ups.

All sources linked in my stories and saved to my “PAP” story highlights.