A colposcopy is an OBGYN procedure performed after abnormal test results for cervical cancer or unusual areas are detected on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. Pap smear results come back flagged if there’s a chance the cervix is infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The entire exam takes between 5-15 minutes. The only difference between colposcopy and a Pap smear is that your OBGYN uses an instrument called a colposcope. Your OBGYN will walk you through the entire procedure. 

• Genital warts
• Precancerous changes to the vagina, vulva, or cervix
• Vulvar, cervical, or vaginal cancer
• Cervicitis

For many females, making an appointment with a gynecologist can be intimidating, and some avoid visiting one altogether. The truth is, visiting a gynecologist is important for all females. OC Women's Care, which is located in Fountain Valley, CA, is an obstetric and gynecology practice that offers the full range of women's health services. Here are five reasons why you should visit your gynecologist.

1. Pap Smears - A Pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. A Pap test samples cervical cells to check for abnormalities. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular pap tests and follow-up. To stay clear of cervical cancer, a pap test is necessary every three years.

2. Pelvic Exams - According to ACOG, women ages 21 years and older should get a yearly pelvic exam. The exam is a thorough check of a woman's pelvic organs. It may not be your favorite appointment, but a pelvic exam is indispensable to your overall health.

3. Breast Exams - A breast exam is a physical examination of the breasts done by a doctor. Breast exams are used to check women for breast cancer. Over 30 percent of women aren't getting breast exams when they should be. Breast examinations are commonly recommended for females over 40. However, if a history of breast cancer is present in your family, then earlier breast examinations are needed.

4. Irregular Menstruation - Have your periods stopped or become irregular? If you have a concern about your menstrual cycle, it is important to make an appointment with your Fountain Valley, CA gynecologist right away. If you ignore the problem, it could cause reproductive problems later on.

5. Birth Control - Birth control allows you to prevent pregnancy. If you are sexually active and are not ready to conceive, you should visit a gynecologist for birth control. Many females don't know that birth control can also be used to treat a variety of female problems.

When was your last visit to the gynecologist? Don't take risks with your health. Yearly visits to the gynecologist are a great start to taking control of your health. Call OC Women's Care, which is located in Fountain Valley, CA at (714) 966-21128 right now to schedule an appointment with one of our world-class gynecologists.

Did you know that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women worldwide? While this statistic can be startling the good news is that it is one of the most preventable cancers. A cervical cancer screening is one of the best and most reliable tools our OBGYN has to detect cancerous and precancerous cells within the cervix. This screening is most often referred to as a Pap test.

What is a Pap test?

Women as young as 21 years old should start getting routine cervical cancer screenings from their OBGYN. If results from the first Pap smear are normal then women between the ages of 21 to 29 will only need to get a Pap test every three years. Women with an abnormal Pap will require a repeat Pap test to look for the presence of precancerous cells.

Women between the ages of 30 to 65 should get a cervical cancer screening every 5 years. Once a woman reaches 65 years old, she usually won’t need to undergo cervical cancer screenings any longer. Women at high risk for cervical cancer may need to come in more often for screenings. This is something that you can discuss with your gynecologist during your first screening or next annual wellness exam.

Are there other ways to prevent cervical cancer?

Along with getting routine cervical cancer screenings your OBGYN can also provide a way to protect young women from contracting HPV, a common STI that is also the leading cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is often recommended for young women around the age of 11 or 12.

This vaccine can be administered to women between the ages of 13 and 26 who have not contracted HPV. The vaccine comes in three doses and it protects against the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. Even if women have received the HPV vaccine they should still come in for routine screenings and checkups.

Whether you want to learn more about the HPV vaccine or you need to schedule your annual checkup and Pap smear, turn to your OBGYN today to take an active interest in your reproductive health.