Symptoms and Causes
Common Symptoms That May Require Cervical Screening
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause)
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Bleeding after Pap smear or internal examination
Major Causes of Abnormal Cervical Findings
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – the most common cause
- Weakened immune system
- Smoking, which affects cervical cell health
- Hormonal changes or long-term contraceptive use
- Chronic cervical inflammation or infections
Treatments
Treatment depends on the findings from the screening and colposcopy exam:
- Observation and follow-up Pap/HPV tests for minor cell changes
- Colposcopy-guided biopsy to confirm diagnosis
- Cryotherapy or laser therapy to destroy abnormal cells
- LEEP/LLETZ (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) to remove precancerous tissue
- Cold knife conization for severe cervical abnormalities
- HPV vaccination to reduce future risk of cervical cancer
- Treatment of associated infections or inflammations
Prevention
Cervical cancer is highly preventable with routine screening and healthy practices:
- Regular Pap smear and HPV testing as recommended
- HPV vaccination for prevention of high-risk HPV strains
- Practicing safe sex and using condoms
- Avoiding smoking to improve cervical cell health
- Maintaining good hygiene and seeking early treatment for infections
- Following up promptly on abnormal screening results
