Some checklists should never get old. Here is a reminder for all women out there. As we start yet another year, we need to remember that we, women are the foundation! Our health is paramount for all those around us. So, we decided to post a friendly reminder to you to get rocking! Here is your go-to check list for 2021. #womenshealthispower

1. Get that PAP– Cervical cancer is still one of the leading causes of genital cancer deaths in women. A cervical swab to test of abnormal cells and HPV can help in early diagnosis and treatment. It’s not fun but our compassionate team will make the process as comfortable as possible. We understand!
2. Do not forget your birth control – Whether they are refills for your pills or time for the IUD to be changed or time for the next shot, do not let the dates slip. Missing pills or being late for your shot can lead to accidental pregnancies. So, dig into your wallet for the next appointment card or just walk in!
3. STD testing – As we mentioned last month, 2019 saw the rates of syphilis related newborn deaths rise by 126% and 376 women newly diagnosed with HIV with nearly 500 deaths attributed to the deadly disease. We all tend to think that those STDs happen only to someone else. We could be that someone! Don’t become a number! Get tested, ask for PREP (HIV prevention meds) and ask your partner to be tested. There is no shame in safety!
4. Stock up on those supplements- Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with diabetes, depression and dementia. Probiotics help keep your gut and above all that vagina healthy wealthy and wise! Visit our website for a full list of what is needed and when 
5. Get physical– Take that walk, do some jumping jacks or do that favorite yoga pose you have been missing out on because you been stuck at home working or caring for your loved ones! It takes only a few minutes out of your day and gives you 10X the benefits. The ROI on that one…. Is a no brainer 

If you have lost your insurance, don’t want bills for STD tests reaching your house or have a high deductible, just walk in and ask us for our, “Well Woman Package”. We specially designed this package to cover your pap, STD testing and an ultrasound so you don’t have to worry!

#wegothis

Be safe, be strong and be prepared!

Your team at Walk In GYN Care

The post New Year, new goals…. Old checklists!!! appeared first on Walk In GYN Care.

Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is a widely prevalent virus that is passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. Although these strains are spread through sexual contact, sexual intercourse is not necessary to spread HPV.  It may be spread through any sexual contact.  It has been suggested that about three out of four sexually active people may have a genital HPV infection  at some point in their lives.

How can we test for HPV?

There are over 120 known strains of HPV at present and only about 15 of those strains are linked to cervical cancer, and approximately 12 strains may cause genital warts.  For women over 30, a pap smear checks for any abnormal cells as well as detectable strains of high risk HPV.  In women under 30, high risk HPV is tested only if the pap smear reveals any abnormal cells.  This is because cervical cancer is very rare under the age of 30 and most women with HPV are able to clear the virus on their own.  Adolescents have an almost 80% clearance rate for high risk HPV.

What is an abnormal pap test and how do you proceed if you have an abnormal pap?

Abnormal pap results may be reported as “Abnormal cells of unknown significance (ASCUS)” , low grade intra-epithelial lesion (LGSIL) or high grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion ( HGSIL).  The next steps in care are decided depending on the results of the pap smear.  If you are positive for HR HPV ( high risk human papilloma virus) and don’t have any abnormal cells, you may just need to be watched closely for any cell changes.  You will be advised to have a test called colposcopy which includes examination of cervix under magnification and a cervical biopsy ( sampling). Depending on the results, you may need 6 monthly follow up or removal of abnormal cells by a small procedure called LEEP or cryo-freezing. It is important to remember that testing positive for HPV does not mean that you have cervical cancer.

Does HPV affect men? How can we test men?

HPV affects men as well as women.  HPV testing is currently not widely prevalent for males. Therefore, it may be hard to go back and figure out who the high risk HPV infection was contracted from. HPV can survive and lay dormant (asleep) inside the cervical cells for many years before detection.  Condoms may help prevent HPV transmission, but HPV can also infect areas that are not covered by a condom, therefore they may not prevent complete transmission. Here is some more information for HPV infection and testing in men. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm

How can we prevent HPV infection?

The current recommendations for prevention against high risk HPV infection include HPV vaccination. There are two such vaccines available. GARDASIL 9 is a vaccine indicated in females and males 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; and genital warts. The injection is given in a 3 shot series over 6 months. The vaccine has  minimal, if any, side effects.  Most insurances cover the vaccination series. The vaccination can be offered or prescribed by your gynecologist or pediatrician.

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For any additional questions or to schedule the Gardasil vaccination, please feel free to walk in or call us as Walk IN GYN Care (www.walkingyn.com).

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