Maintaining cervical health is crucial for overall well-being, and early detection plays a vital role in preventing serious conditions. Regular screenings help identify potential issues before they become more severe, allowing for timely intervention and better outcomes. Whether it's routine tests like the Pap smear or more specialised procedures, staying on top of cervical health assessments is key to preserving long-term wellness

Keep reading to understand when to get screened, what to check and how to plan them so they can fit in your lifestyle.

 

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When to Get Screened For Cervical Tests

Cervical screening guidelines are created by various organisations, such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The frequency of screening and the type of tests recommended will depend on your age and health history. Here is the screening guideline as per USPSTF and the American Cancer Society:

Age 21-29 years
If you are in this age group, the USPSTF recommends getting your first Pap test at age 21, followed by Pap testing every 3 years. Even if you are sexually active, you do not need a Pap test before you’re 21.

Age 30-65 years
For individuals in this age group, the USPSTF recommends cervical cancer screening using one of the following methods:

• HPV test every 5 years
• HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years
• Pap test every 3 years

The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated guidelines suggest beginning screening at age 25 with an HPV test and continuing HPV testing every 5 years through age 65. However, it is still acceptable to use the HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years or the Pap test every 3 years as alternative options.

 

Related story: Prevention of Cervical Cancer

 

Older than 65 Years

If you are over 65, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether you still need a cervical screening. If you have consistently had normal test results and have been screened regularly, your provider will likely recommend stopping screening. However, if your recent test results were abnormal or you haven't been screened regularly, you may need to continue screening past age 65.

 

Important Tests For Cervical Health

1. Pap Smear (Pap Test)

Purpose: The Pap smear is a routine test used to screen for cervical cancer. It involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope for abnormalities.
Who should get it: Generally recommended for women starting at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. It’s done every 3 years for women aged 21–29, and every 5 years for women aged 30–65 if combined with HPV testing.
What it detects: It can detect precancerous changes in the cervical cells (dysplasia), early stages of cervical cancer, or other abnormalities.

2. HPV Test

Purpose: The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test screens for the presence of high-risk strains of HPV, which are linked to cervical cancer.
Who should get it: For women over 30 or those who have abnormal Pap smear results.
What it detects: High-risk HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18, which are most strongly associated with cervical cancer.

 

Related story: Understanding Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal, What’s Not

 

3. Colposcopy

Purpose: A colposcopy is an in-depth examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Who should get it: Women who have abnormal Pap smear results or are diagnosed with high-risk HPV infections.
What it detects: It helps visualise any abnormalities or lesions on the cervix and may be followed by a biopsy if needed.

 

4. Cervical Biopsy

Purpose: A cervical biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix for laboratory analysis.
Who should get it: Women who have abnormal Pap smear or colposcopy results.
What it detects: It can help confirm the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells and guide treatment decisions.

 

5. Endocervical Curettage (ECC)

Purpose: ECC is a procedure that involves scraping a small sample of cells from the endocervical canal (the opening of the cervix) for examination.
Who should get it: Usually performed if colposcopy results are abnormal or there’s suspicion of deeper cervical abnormalities.
What it detects: Abnormal cells from the canal of the cervix, including precancerous changes.

 

Related story: What You Should Know About Cervical Cancer Screening---Pap Smear And HPV Test

 

6. Pelvic Exam

Purpose: A pelvic exam is a physical examination of the reproductive organs to check for any visible or palpable abnormalities, such as cysts, tumours, or other issues that might indicate cervical or other gynaecological conditions.
Who should get it: Part of routine gynaecological exams, especially for women over 21 or as recommended by a healthcare provider.
What it detects: Issues like pelvic infections, fibroids, or masses that could indicate potential problems with cervical health.

 

7. Ultrasound

Purpose: Though not specifically for cervical health, a pelvic ultrasound can be used to visualise the reproductive organs and detect abnormalities such as cysts, fibroids, or tumours.
Who should get it: If there are symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pain, or masses detected during a pelvic exam.
What it detects: Structural abnormalities, though it’s not specific to the cervix, it helps in evaluating surrounding reproductive organs.

 

Related story: 6 Steps to Take for A Better Sexual Health

 

8. Vaginal pH Test

Purpose: This test checks the acidity or alkalinity of the vaginal fluid, which can indicate infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Who should get it: Women experiencing symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, odour, or irritation.
What it detects: Infection or imbalance in vaginal flora, but does not specifically test for cervical health.

 

9. STI Screening (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea)

Purpose: Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can help detect infections that may affect the cervix, leading to conditions like cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Who should get it: Women under 25 or sexually active women at higher risk for STIs.
What it detects: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and other STIs that can cause cervical infections and complications.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying conditions. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.
With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.