The oft-dreaded pap smear may soon become more accessible for those with fewer resources or geographical access to a women’s health clinician – and less dreaded for those with past trauma or fear of pelvic exams. A new at-home screening kit for cervical cancer was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing more access to women who otherwise might skip a yearly visit to the gynecologist. While this is a great advancement for women’s health, this product is not meant to replace an annual gynecology exam but rather provide more accessible and comfortable options for patients.
As a physician board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, I’m all too familiar with the hesitation and sometimes downright refusal that some patients have when it comes to a pap smear. The in-office procedure involves inserting a metal or plastic speculum into the vagina to collect cells at the cervix. The sample then is examined for abnormalities and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that screening for cervical cancer should begin at age 21 and then be repeated every three years until 29. For those ages 30 to 65, ACOG recommends a Pap and HPV test every five years.
This procedure can be painful and embarrassing for some people. They might have past trauma or have been shamed by clinicians because of their body size. I always try to make my patients feel comfortable, no matter their background. In some instances, clinicians may offer an in-office vaginal swab that the patient administers to herself in the bathroom. This in-office swab (offered by Becton Dickinson and Roche labs) combined with an in-person exam and discussion is a great alternative for patients who are uncomfortable with vaginal exams. In the future, we would consider any safe and effective screening that also puts patients at ease.
Another promising option is the Teal Wand, a self-administered screening for in-home use for primary HPV screening. Its availability will be limited to California at first by prescription through its telehealth system. The approval by the FDA shows the importance and value of research and innovation in providing access to care and screening, especially for women who don’t have a trusted gynecologist near them or who are avoiding a visit because of the Pap test.
Although not a replacement for an annual visit with a gynecologist, the self-swabs, whether at home like the Teal Wand or the in-office swab like those from Becton Dickinson or Roche under a doctor’s care, provide a comfortable, safe, and effective way to screen for HPV, which also causes vaginal and vulvar cancers. It is still crucial for general health and preventative screenings that patients see their OB-GYN annually.
I hear all the time that women skip their yearly appointment because they don’t think they need a pap smear anymore or that they don’t feel comfortable with a pelvic exam. But we do more than screen for cervical cancer. For patients aged 21 and older, it’s recommended that we perform a gynecological exam for possible early detection of conditions and to assess a woman’s reproductive health and we also perform breast exams.
More importantly, it’s essential that women establish a long-term relationship with their clinician. That way, if a problem arises, she already has a trusted doctor that she can rely on. The best-case scenario is that you go to your appointment each year and you’re bored because nothing is happening. And then if a worse-case scenario strikes, you already have a strong, established relationship with your doctor who can provide quality care.
To learn more about Dr. Ghofrany, please visit her website.
As a physician board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, I’m all too familiar with the hesitation and sometimes downright refusal that some patients have when it comes to a pap smear. The in-office procedure involves inserting a metal or plastic speculum into the vagina to collect cells at the cervix. The sample then is examined for abnormalities and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that screening for cervical cancer should begin at age 21 and then be repeated every three years until 29. For those ages 30 to 65, ACOG recommends a Pap and HPV test every five years.
This procedure can be painful and embarrassing for some people. They might have past trauma or have been shamed by clinicians because of their body size. I always try to make my patients feel comfortable, no matter their background. In some instances, clinicians may offer an in-office vaginal swab that the patient administers to herself in the bathroom. This in-office swab (offered by Becton Dickinson and Roche labs) combined with an in-person exam and discussion is a great alternative for patients who are uncomfortable with vaginal exams. In the future, we would consider any safe and effective screening that also puts patients at ease.
Another promising option is the Teal Wand, a self-administered screening for in-home use for primary HPV screening. Its availability will be limited to California at first by prescription through its telehealth system. The approval by the FDA shows the importance and value of research and innovation in providing access to care and screening, especially for women who don’t have a trusted gynecologist near them or who are avoiding a visit because of the Pap test.
Although not a replacement for an annual visit with a gynecologist, the self-swabs, whether at home like the Teal Wand or the in-office swab like those from Becton Dickinson or Roche under a doctor’s care, provide a comfortable, safe, and effective way to screen for HPV, which also causes vaginal and vulvar cancers. It is still crucial for general health and preventative screenings that patients see their OB-GYN annually.
I hear all the time that women skip their yearly appointment because they don’t think they need a pap smear anymore or that they don’t feel comfortable with a pelvic exam. But we do more than screen for cervical cancer. For patients aged 21 and older, it’s recommended that we perform a gynecological exam for possible early detection of conditions and to assess a woman’s reproductive health and we also perform breast exams.
More importantly, it’s essential that women establish a long-term relationship with their clinician. That way, if a problem arises, she already has a trusted doctor that she can rely on. The best-case scenario is that you go to your appointment each year and you’re bored because nothing is happening. And then if a worse-case scenario strikes, you already have a strong, established relationship with your doctor who can provide quality care.
To learn more about Dr. Ghofrany, please visit her website.
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