Having unprotected sex puts you at a higher risk for getting HPV or the human papillomavirus. Though not all types of HPV viruses cause cervical cancer, it can remain in your body for years after you were infected. This is why it is imperative that you have regular Pap tests which can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. The earlier that this is treated, the better your chances of not getting cervical cancer.
Check out these important tips that all women should know about cervical cancer prevention by Dr. Jennifer Wilder, a nationally renowned women’s health expert on menopause, and author of The Savvy Woman Patient, and The New Mom’s Survival Guide. Dr. Wider also serves a spokesperson for the Society for Women’s Health Research.
During different life stages, certain health concerns become more prevalent than others. Here is a decade-by-decade plan to keep you on the right track.
Your 30’s
According to the National Cancer Institute, this year approximately 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. The good news is that that through thorough screening the disease is highly preventable. At age 30, ASK your doctor to have the HPV test performed with your routine pap. The test can be performed on the same sample, so no extra time is needed and the screening efficacy is increased to nearly 100 percent. To see if your insurance covers the HPV test, visit https://www.thedigenehpvtesthotline.com/.
Your 40’s
We were all told growing up about giving ourselves regular breast exams, however many women have become relaxed when it comes to mammograms. Although not always pleasant, this remains the most effective detector for breast cancer and experts recommend adding this test to the mix for women in their 40s.
Your 50’s
Mood swings, short-term memory loss, and hot flashes are common complaints from women experiencing menopause. However women in their 50’s and above do not have to live in “hormone hell,” as there are a variety of natural supplements that can provide symptom relief from menopausal related symptoms including insomnia, lack of energy/libido and hot flashes.
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