Pap smear screenings are an excellent method for detecting early changes in cervical cells and preventing cervical cancer.
Although approximately 3.5 million women have abnormal pap findings, only 4,000 women die from cervical cancer each year in the United States due to early treatment of these pre-cancer cells. Pre-cancer cells in the cervix are caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is passed through sexual contact.
Signs of HPV can appear as genital warts or as an abnormal pap smear. Usually, however, there are no symptoms. This is why many people with HPV do not know they have it. Symptoms of HPV can appear weeks, months or even years after the initial infection. The virus spreads through all types of sexual intercourse. Both men and women can contract HPV and are at greater risk if either partner has had multiple sex partners or became sexually active at an early age.
Valencia Gynecology Associates now offers the Gardasil vaccine, which protects against the four most common types of HPV and protects against both genital warts and cervical cancer.
Dr. Elisa Lansdowne says, “HPV is extremely common, especially in young women. We take care of many women each day, specifically for abnormal pap smears caused by the virus.”
The vaccine is given to girls and women 9 through 26 years of age, in three doses over six months.
“This vaccine can prevent time-consuming and emotionally distressing findings and decrease risk of cervical cancer by 60 percent,” adds Dr. Lansdowne.
If you are sexually active, you must have had a recent negative pap smear within one year to receive the vaccine. You may benefit from the vaccine if you already have HPV, as most people may not be infected with all four of the types of HPV contained in the vaccine. Ask your healthcare professional for more information.
We accept most PPO insurances, however, check with your insurance company to see if this vaccine is covered under your plan.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 661-259-1781 or you may visit our website at www.valenciagynecology.com .