As a pelvic floor physical therapist, my work primarily focuses on the health, function, and well-being of the pelvic region. But the pelvic floor doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s closely tied to broader reproductive and gynecological health. January marks Cervical Health Awareness Month, an essential time to discuss cervical health, routine screening, and how preventative measures like HPV testing and Pap smears can make a life-saving difference.
Understanding Cervical Health and HPV
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it still affects thousands of women every year. The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, making it incredibly common. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, persistent high-risk HPV types (like HPV 16 and 18) can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which, if left untreated, may develop into cervical cancer.
The Power of Pap Smears and HPV Testing
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening is so critical. The Pap smear (or Pap test) and HPV testing are two key tools for cervical cancer prevention:
Pap Smear: This test detects abnormal cervical cells that may indicate pre-cancerous changes. It’s recommended every 3 years for individuals aged 21-29, and in combination with HPV testing every 5 years for those 30-65.
HPV Testing: This test screens directly for high-risk HPV strains that can lead to cervical cancer. When paired with a Pap smear (co-testing), it provides a comprehensive assessment of cervical health.
Research consistently supports the effectiveness of these screenings. A study published in The Lancet (2019) showed that HPV testing is even more sensitive than the Pap smear alone in detecting cervical abnormalities early. Early detection through screening allows for timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of invasive cervical cancer.
Why Cervical Health Matters for Pelvic Floor Therapy
From a pelvic floor therapy perspective, I often work with patients experiencing symptoms that can be linked to or exacerbated by gynecological conditions, such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, or post-treatment recovery. If cervical abnormalities progress to cancer, treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can impact pelvic floor function. These treatments may lead to issues like incontinence, scar tissue formation, or painful muscle tightness.
Pelvic floor therapy can play a vital role in recovery and improving quality of life after cervical cancer treatment, but the ultimate goal is prevention. Regular screening empowers individuals to take control of their health, catch abnormalities early, and reduce the likelihood of invasive treatments altogether.
The Bottom Line: Take Charge of Your Cervical Health
Cervical Health Awareness Month is a reminder that prevention saves lives. I encourage all individuals with a cervix to:
Schedule regular Pap smears and/or HPV testing based on age and guidelines.
Get vaccinated against HPV if eligible and recommended by your gynecologist. The HPV vaccine can prevent infections from high-risk strains.
Stay informed and advocate for your health—early detection is key.
As healthcare providers, pelvic floor physical therapists are part of your wellness team. While our primary focus is pelvic floor function, we care deeply about all aspects of pelvic health—and that includes your cervical health. Let’s work together to prioritize prevention and empower healthier futures.
Health & Happiness,
Dr. Carly
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html
Arbyn, M., et al. (2019). Detecting cervical precancer and cancer in HPV screening. The Lancet. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32725-8
National Cancer Institute. (2021). Cervical Cancer Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-prevention-pdq
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Cervical Cancer Screening. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org
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