What is the HPV virus and how can you discover the various stages? And how can you treat the HPV virus? I wrote before that from a medical point of view I am not really fantastic. That should not spoil the fun because I can now tell you a lot about having the HPV virus, which many women have to deal with once in their lives. And so am I.
There are many different types of HPV virus, also known as Human Papillomavirus. Some of these cause skin warts. However, a number of types can cause cervical cancer. This is called high Human Papillomavirus. The cervical cancer population screening tests for all high-risk types. My advice? Go!
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It was recently in the news. Almost every woman will have to deal with this virus at some point in her life. It is transmitted during sexual intercourse but is not only on the genitals, but also on the skin around it. A contraceptive cannot prevent someone from becoming infected .
This is no reason to panic, because less than 1% of women with the HPV virus develop cervical cancer.
Because I am also familiar with endometriosis and the associated defects, I was already known to the gynaecologist. Due to various complaints that could come from anywhere, a smear was made as a precaution. I am not yet at the age that I automatically participate in the population screening.
With this first smear, abnormalities were found, which are often the cause of HPV. This infection does not cause any symptoms and in many women heals on its own within 2 years. No need to panic, they reassured me. Only a few women carry the HPV virus and have an increased risk.
The result of a Pap smear is given in the Pap Result. Below I tell you more about the Pap results and what they mean.
The smear is not easy to assess. Often because there are too few cells present. It is therefore recommended to repeat the smear.
This means that the Pap smear is normal. Research can be repeated after five years.
Some cells of the smear look different than normal. However, the deviation is not completely clear and the cells may simply be different again in a few months. It is often advised to do the smear again after six months.
The result shows slightly abnormal cells. Usually a new smear is made or you are referred to a gynaecologist. In half of the women it appears that treatment is not necessary. The other part is given the advice for a simple treatment of the cervix.
The cells of the cervix are more abnormal than with a Pap 3A. An examination by a gynecologist is necessary. With this result, the chance of a simple treatment of the cervix is greater than with a Pap 3A.
More serious abnormal cells can be seen. Research is needed and almost always treatment.
The cells are now very abnormal, it is essential to be examined by a gynaecologist at short notice. Sometimes there can be cervical cancer.
For the past four years I have been treated for abnormalities ranging from Pap 3A to 3B and even once to 4. An abnormal Pap smear occurs in about 5 out of 100 women. In the case of very minor abnormalities, there is a 10% chance of the preliminary stage. A preliminary stage means that cells are abnormal, but that it is not cancer. The more abnormal the smear is, the more likely this chance increases.
Because there were abnormalities at every check-up, I was treated with a biopsy at colposcopy or with a loop excision. It sounds very complicated, but it's not that bad!
During a colposcopy, the doctor examines the tissue of the cervix. It may be that a gynecologist thinks waiting is justified because the picture still looks very normal and the expectation is that the abnormality will disappear on its own (which is often the case, we women are strong!). If not, he or she will take a biopsy or advise a loop excision. Before this decision is made, the CIN scores, the results of the tissue examination, are examined.
CIN scores and the result :
I myself have had several biopsies and once a loop excision. A loop excision is a more extensive examination than a biopsy. This means that the piece of tissue that is removed is considerably larger than with a biopsy.
After this I was checked several times every year and because the scores continued to go in the right direction, I had one last month for a year. And sure enough, my cells are finally looking normal! The wait is rewarded. My next check will be with the population screening when I turn 30.
Yes, it was all exciting and not fun, but despite my high scores, I am now research-free, partly due to treatments. This makes me much less stressed now. You are often on time and even with major abnormalities, that does not mean that you will actually get cancer. That's what I want to pass on to you when you're in the rats. Stay positive and go through the checkups neatly, the doctors can do so much for you!
A vaccination against two dangerous HPV variants has been available for some time now. You have no guarantee that you will not get cervical cancer, but I think with an HPV vaccination you are better protected against the HPV virus. This is given at the GGD in the year you turn 13 and is free.
More information about this virus and the vaccinations can be found at Thuisarts.nl
