Every year we show up, undress and prepare for the metal “duck lips”. Its is time for the PAP SMEAR. Time to approach the stirrups and then head out for a conciliatory latter post visit.
Times have changed, however. Women are more than their cervix, and research on Women’s Health has advanced such as we age, our cardiac, musculoskeletal and emotional health take center stage and the pap smear is secondary. Pap smears look for cellular changes in the cervix associated with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection. After the age of 30, with a record of normal pap results annually, a woman can decrease the number of times she has cervical sampling (i.e.. The Pap). Clinical breast exams, cardiac assessment, skin checks for irregular moles and lesions, and assessment of ovarian health and colorectal health are very important. Yearly assessment for colorectal cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer are important for total health maintenance and prevention. Post menopausal, your bone density becomes center stage as well.
Labs such as lipids, thyroid, blood count and a metabolic panel are important as well.
We are more than a PAP SMEAR, ladies.