🪷 BE SMEAR SMART
and why it’s vital you continue attending your regular PAP smear tests through the menopause.
September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought I’d share a little information about smears tests through the menopause.
We’ve all had them, and yes, no one likes them, but they are an essential part of your female healthcare routine.
Smears take a small scrape of cells from the lining of the cervix and these samples are tested to monitor and detect any abnormal cells before they have the chance to spread.
Your GP should send you a reminder for when your next PAP smear is due, and the frequency of your screening will depend on a variety of factors including if you have been vaccinated against HPV as a young adult, to if you have been diagnosed in the past with abnormal cells or cancer.
Unfortunately, smears through the menopause can be a little more uncomfortable and tricky than they were previously and this can be due to vaginal dryness, increased abdominal pain due to low oestrogen, hot flushes and mood changes.
If you are concerned, speak to your GP or nurse practitioner before your screening test and they can help make the procedure more comfortable for you.
You should continue attending your smear screenings up to around 64 years of age, but women who have had a full hysterectomy for noncancerous conditions may no longer require PAP tests dependent on their medical history.
Female cancers such as womb, ovarian and vaginal cancer are very difficult to identify so if you have any concerns, experience changes in bleeds, bloating, stomach pain, or changes to vaginal discharge, contact your GP.
#themenopausementor #smears #paptests #HPVvirus #smeartests #menopause #menopausesupport #menopausesmears #Cancerswareness #gynaeawareness
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