According to statistics, Thai women die from cervical cancer as many as 14 people per day, even though this disease can actually be treated if abnormalities are detected before it progresses severely. Today, we bring you information about “Cervical Cancer Screening” that women should know..
What is a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam, also called “PV examination” (PV, Per vaginal examination), is when a doctor uses an instrument shaped like a duckbill (Speculum) and then examines by hand to assess abnormalities of the female pelvic organs again.
Cervical cancer screening
is a method to detect abnormalities in the pre-cancerous stage of cervical cancer or early-stage cervical cancer that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Currently, there are two popular screening methods:
- Conventional Pap smear, which uses a swab to collect cell samples directly onto a glass slide.
- Thin layer method collects all cervical epithelial cells obtained from the swab tool and places the collected cells into a vial of preservative solution.
The conventional Pap smear has a detection rate of 50-60% for cervical abnormalities, while the thin layer method has a detection rate of 70-80%. Additionally, the thin layer method can also test for HPV infection, and it has been found that the combined HPV test with the thin layer Pap smear can detect cervical abnormalities with nearly 100% accuracy.
Preparation before a pelvic exam
- Avoid sexual intercourse 2 days before the pelvic exam.
- Avoid the menstrual period, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal douching before the exam.
Steps before the pelvic exam
- The doctor will take a medical history regarding gynecological abnormalities such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, childbirth history, menstruation, and contraception during the pelvic exam.
- The doctor will ask the patient to empty the bladder before the exam because a full bladder can interfere with the doctor’s ability to palpate pelvic organs clearly.
- Change clothes and remove underwear properly.
- Lie down on the examination table with stirrups and spread the knees apart widely to facilitate the doctor’s examination.
- After the doctor puts on gloves, the doctor will inform the patient that the examination will begin with the instrument. After removing the instrument, the doctor will examine by hand.
When should a pelvic exam be done?
- All sexually active women with good health should have a pelvic exam annually.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or irregular menstruation.
- Acute or chronic intermittent lower abdominal pain.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Palpable mass in the lower abdomen.
- Bloating, abdominal fullness, weight loss, or thinning.
