Cervical Health by dr. Angelina Rieska Soetjipto, SpOG

When we talk about cervical health or what is commonly called the cervix, we are talking about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) virus. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection, there are many types. Types 16 and 18 account for 70% of cervical cancer. Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts. These four types of HPV already have vaccines, so you better get vaccinated! The HPV vaccine is not only effective for women, but can also be used for men.

How is it transmitted?

Sexual intercourse either through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV.

2 Ways to prevent cervical cancer:

• Cervical vaccines (Primary Prevention - preventing infection with HPV) The cervical vaccine is ideally given before we have sexual intercourse, so we prepare an umbrella before it rains. So, what if those who have had sexual intercourse also want to be vaccinated? Of course you can, the benefits can still be felt. The dose of HPV vaccine is 2 to 3 times depending on age. When complete, there is no need for booster injections (no need to repeat).
• Pap Smear (Secondary Prevention), Pap Smear is intended as a screening to detect the slightest abnormality in the cervix. This examination is carried out periodically every 1-3 years until old.

The course of cancer of the cervix takes approximately 20 years. By doing a pap smear, if there is the slightest abnormality / disease, it can be immediately treated, stopped before it continues to a more severe stage.

Many are afraid to do pap smears for fear of the results. In fact, if we know as early as possible, the disease can still be treated, the possibility of recovery is still high, and the cost of treatment is still cheap. But if we procrastinate or wait for symptoms such as foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or bleeding every time we have sexual intercourse, etc., usually cervical disease has gone to a more severe stage, often it has become an advanced cancer, where the possibility of recovery is small, as well as medical costs. expensive.

Many are also afraid because the examination is "supposedly" sick. The Pap smear only takes 5 minutes, and is painless. The thing to note is to relax and follow the doctor's instructions. Uncomfortable? Yes, but to know our health, it's certainly worth it, right?

So love our bodies! Men should not forget to get vaccinated, husbands remind their wives to have a pap smear.

Article by: dr. Angelina Rieska Soetjipto, SpOG