How To Prioritize Cervical Health

By Sarah L. Berga, M.D.

Each January, Cervical Health Awareness Month is promoted to urge women, transmen, and any persons with a cervix to make appointments for routine gynecological checkups that include a physical examination and cervical cancer testing. Yearly more than 13,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer, which could be prevented with appropriate screening and vaccination.

A Pap test can find cell changes in the cervix that may be early warning signs of cervical cancer. Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women ages 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred. Those ages 30 to 65 have three options for testing — a Pap test every 3 years, hrHPV testing alone every 5 years, or co-testing every 5 years. Individuals ages 65 or older no longer require screening after adequate negative prior screen results. Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, without a history of high-grade cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer, no longer require screening.

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is oblong, donut-shaped, and about an inch long. Glands in the interior of the cervix (endocervical canal) produce cervical mucus to aid sperm transport to foster conception, which occurs in the outer third of the Fallopian tubes. The cervix also allows discharge, such as menstrual blood, to flow out of the uterus. Mucus also provides a barrier against bacteria when hormone levels are low. HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from types of human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer or genital warts. The vaccine is available to all males and females through age 45. Individuals over age 15 need three doses, while those under 15 need two.

Adopting the following behaviors helps protect cervical health.

  • Practice safer sex. Use condoms to protect the cervix and reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking can impact cervical health by causing fertility issues and cervical abnormalities.
  • Keep contraceptives clean. Cervical caps and diaphragms are devices also used as contraceptives. Clean them regularly according to instructions to prevent cervical or vaginal infections.
  • Eat well and reduce stress. Women with abnormal Pap smear results not caused by cancer typically have experienced major life events. Researchers believe stress levels and lifestyles can affect cervical health. Eat foods and practice behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being.
  • Avoid certain products. The vagina is a self-cleaning and correcting part of the body. Douches or other products are not needed to maintain internal cleanliness. In fact, doing so may alter natural pH and affect the normal function of the cervix and vagina.

Cervical health is something all women should consider, not just in January, but all year long.

Sara L. Berga, M.D. is Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. She focuses on infertility, obstetrics and gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology.