Keeping your cervix healthy
 We keep hearing about cervical cancer, but how do we protect ourselves from it? If there was ever a time to be in the know, this is it. Here’s how we can take care of the cervix:
1. Get regular pap smear tests
A pap smear is a test that can detect abnormalities in your cervical tissue. Gynecologists recommend that a woman have her first pap smear about three years after her first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first. How often you have a pap smear depends on your age, previous pap results, and overall cervical cancer risk factor. Remember, annual pelvic exams are still necessary even if you do not have a pap smear every year.
2. Practise safe sex
This means abstaining from sexual contact, using condoms or limiting the number o sexual partners. This will reduce your likelihood of becoming in contact with someone with STDs. There is also evidence that taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for a long time increases the risk of cervical cancer. However, research suggests that the risk goes back down again after the OCs are stopped.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking doesn’t just increase your risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease; it can affect the cervix too. Smoking has been linked to the development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, especially if a woman has HPV. In fact, smokers are twice more likely to develop cervical cancer than non-smokers.
4. Pay attention to changes
Be in tune with your body, look out for painful intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and unexpected bleeding. If any of these things occur, please see your doctor immediately.
5. Get vaccinated
The HPV vaccine is an excellent method of preventing cervical cancer, as it has proven effective against some HPV strains. Be sure to talk to your doctor about these vaccines.
6. Eat lots of fruit and veggies
Research has found that there’s a connection between folic acid (a B vitamin) and a reduction in cervical cancer. This vitamin can be found in green and yellow vegetables, juices, citrus fruits, liver and yeasts.
Finally, know your family history. Has anyone in your family had cervical problems or cancer? Cervical cancer may run in some families. According to the American Cancer Society, if your mother or sister had cervical cancer, your chances of developing the disease are increased by 2 to 3 times.
Sources: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Cancer Society.
Related Article
CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS – PART 1
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