Among the most important V zone screening available today is, in fact, the Pap smear. Developed in the 1940's, it is a way of looking for cell chnages that can, if not treated, result in cervical cancer.
The development of the Pap smear has, in fact, been credited with saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of women - and it can do the same for you.
Indeed, today, the Pap smear is more important than ever. Why ? Doctors now know that at least one sexually transmitted virus (strains of the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV) can cause cell changes that are a direct link to cervical cancer. If you are at all sexually active, particularly if you have multiple partners, or your partner could be having sex outside your relationship, it's vital that you are tested and protected from this virus.
The good news is that the Pap smear is a highly effective method of discovering if you are at risk for this virus - early enough to save your life.
And, the test is getting better, with important improvements in both the way the actual screening is done and how the cells are analyzed.
Unfortunately, the use of these new technologies is not always automatic. Indeed, many of you may have to request the new, improved testing methods before your doctor will comply. Indeed, some managed care and insurance companies even discourage doctors from telling patients about the newer, more costly technologies .
That said, these are vital, important, life-saving options - and it is your right to have the best care available. As such, don't be afraid to ask your doctor about the new tests - or even demand that they be used.
Depending on your insurance coverage, you may have to cover the difference in cost yourself - over and above the cost of a "regular" Pap smear. However, in most instances this nomial expense is well worth it.
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The New Pap Smear Techologies : What You Need To Know Now . |