Pap Smear, Mandatory Examination For Married Women

Illustration of Pap smears (Pexels)

JAKARTA - Pap Smear is a health check that must be carried out by women, especially for those who are married.

At least this is said by an obstetric and gynecologist specialist, dr. Winda Nizarwan, recommends that women who have been married or are sexually active since the age of 21 routinely undergo routine examinations.

This examination is important for early detection of the possibility of abnormal cells potentially developing into cervical cancer.

Pap Smear is done by taking cell samples from the cervix to find out if there are cells that can risk becoming cervical cancer. Early detection is very important because cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages.

"For women who have been married since the age of 21, the Pap Smear examination is recommended every three years," said dr. Winda as quoted by ANTARA.

This examination needs to be carried out regularly so that if there are early signs of cervical cancer, medical action can be given immediately before conditions get worse. Based on information from the Ministry of Health, cervical cancer generally only shows symptoms when it reaches advanced stages.

Therefore, routine examinations are highly recommended preventive measures for women, especially those aged 30 to 65 years. In addition to Pap Smear, examinations to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are also recommended because this virus is the main cause of cervical cancer.

"If Pap Smear and HPV tests are carried out simultaneously, then the examination interval can be extended to five years," explained dr. Winda, who practices at Permata Depok Hospital.

Women aged 65 years and over, as well as those in the periodiopause period or menopause period, are also recommended to undergo this examination. If the results of the examination show no signs of ferocity, then the next examination can be abolished, unless it is still sexually active or has a risk factor such as changing partners.

In addition, women who want to undergo Pap Smear are advised not to have sexual intercourse for three days before the examination. This aims to avoid possible injuries or irritation in the cervix that can affect the results of the examination.

They are also advised not to use vaginal cleansing antiseptic fluids before examination. For women who are undergoing chemotherapy therapy, it is important to notify medical personnel about the condition of the treatment being undertaken so that the results of Pap Smear remain accurate.

"It is better to inform medical personnel if they are undergoing certain treatment," added dr. Winda.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer that attacks women around the world. The main cause is the HPV virus infection, although there are a number of other risk factors that also increase the chance of developing cervical cancer.

Some of these risk factors include a history of cervical cancer in the family, infection with sexually transmitted diseases, a weak immune system, and smoking habits. In addition, unhealthy diets, obesity, sexual activity at very young age, pregnancy and childbirth at an early age, and frequent pregnancy can also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The Smear Pap examination is a preventive step that is highly recommended for women to maintain reproductive health and reduce the risk of cervical cancer from an early age.