Frequently Asked Questions
The Pap test checks for changes in the cells of your cervix (the cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina). These changes may be cancerous, pre-cancerous, or caused by inflammation. During the pelvic exam, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and gently open it so the cervix can be seen. A thin brush and a wooden or plastic spatula are used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix.
Human Papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, is a viral infection spread through skin to skin sexual contact. HPV is a group of over 100 different viruses, with at least 30 strains known to cause different types of cancer. Studies suggest that three of every four people who have sex will get a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. Sexually transmitted HPV can be spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
To lower your risk of developing HPV, limit your number of sexual partners and use condoms. If you are between the ages of 9-26, you should have the HPV vaccine to help protect you from infection. Regular pap tests are the best way to prevent precancer and cancer of the cervix.
Menorrhagia is excessive menstrual bleeding commonly referred to as heavy bleeding. If your bleeding lasts seven or more days per cycle, or is so excessive that you need to change protection nearly every hour, you may have menorrhagia. Treatment options include drug therapy including use of oral contraceptives, D&C, or possibly endometrial ablation.
Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against diseases caused by HPV such as cervical cancer, abnormal and precancerous cervical, vaginal, and vulvar lesions, and genital warts. It is given in 3 doses over a period of six months.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) and other reproductive organs that causes symptoms such as lower abdominal pain. It is a serious complication of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Cervical dysplasia is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix, indicating either precancerous or cancerous cells. The condition is classified as low-grade or high-grade, depending on the extent of the abnormal cell growth. Low-grade cervical dysplasia progresses very slowly and typically resolves on its own. High-grade cervical dysplasia can lead to cervical cancer.
Without treatment, 30 - 50% of cases of severe cervical dysplasia progress to invasive cancer. Cervical dysplasia does not cause symptoms; therefore, regular screening and early diagnosis are important. Detecting and treating dysplasia early is essential to prevent cancer. For this reason, most physicians quickly remove suspicious cervical lesions and require frequent Pap smears to monitor for recurrences.
Colposcopy is a simple procedure that is painless and completed in 10- to 15-minutes. You are positioned on the examination table like you are for a Pap smear, where your physician will use a colposcope -- an electric microscope that is positioned approximately 30 cm from the vagina -- to view your cervix. A bright light on the end of the colposcope lets the gynecologist clearly see the cervix.
Any areas showing abnormal cells will be biopsied. In a biopsy, a tiny sample of tissue will be removed from the area with a tweezers-like instrument. An endocervical scraping from the os (the opening in the middle of the cervix) may be taken as this is often where abnormal cells begin. You may feel a pinch or cramping when the tissue samples are taken. The samples will be sent to a pathology lab to be examined.
If a biopsy was taken, you may have slight bleeding or spotting for a few days following the procedure. If a tampon is inserted, please remove it in 4-6 hours. Do not reinsert another tampon. Use only pads until the bleeding stops. Additionally, you may notice a coffee ground or mustard-like discharge. This is normal. Do not resume intercourse for one week or until bleeding stops—whichever is greater.
If you’ve had a Pap test or cervical biopsies come back showing dysplasia, a LEEP may be recommended as treatment for these cells.
LEEP uses a thin wire loop electrode which is attached to an electrosurgical generator. The generator transmits a painless electrical current that quickly cuts away the affected cervical tissue in the immediate area of the loop wire. This causes the abnormal cells to rapidly heat and burst, and separates the tissue as the loop wire moves through the cervix.
The loop will seal blood vessels as it cuts, decreasing bleeding. To further decrease bleeding, a medicated paste or solution may be applied to your cervix. This solution often causes a dark coffee-ground like vaginal discharge for a few days after the procedure. The tissue removed will be sent to a pathologist for diagnosis. Following the procedure, you may feel a few mild cramps for a few days and you will have a vaginal discharge sometimes for up to 4 weeks. You should not put anything in your vagina (including tampons or sexual intercourse) for three to four weeks after your procedure. You should also avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for three to four weeks.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems.
The diagnosis is made through a careful history of symptoms along with physical findings, blood work and ultrasound testing. There is no cure for PCOS. The treatment of PCOS is generally symptomatic and centers on life-style modifications and medication.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus -- usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.
When your medical history and exam suggest endometriosis as a possibility, a laparoscopy may be offered to diagnose endometriosis. Endometriosis is usually treated with medications first and if that is unsuccessful possible surgery.
Fibroids are benign growths that develop from the cells that make up the muscle of the uterus. The size and location of fibroids can vary greatly. They may appear inside the uterus, on its outer surface, or within its wall.
The two most common symptoms are abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pressure. Menstrual periods with fibroids may be very long and very heavy. There may be pressure in the pelvic region from the enlarged uterine size caused by the fibroids. However, many women with fibroids never have any symptoms at all. If you have uterine fibroids you should be checked by your doctor on a regular basis. Getting regular checkups and being alert to warning signs will help you be aware of changes that may require treatment.