Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Importance: Early detection and prevention of cervical cancer
Screening methods:
- Pap smear: examination of cervical cells for abnormal changes
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) testing: detection of high-risk HPV types
- Co-testing: combination of Pap smear and HPV testing
Screening guidelines:
- Women aged 21-29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Women aged 30-65: Co-testing every 5 years or Pap smear every 3 years
- Women aged 65 and older: no screening recommended if previously screened and no abnormal results

Types:
- Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation
- Oligomenorrhea: infrequent menstruation
- Dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation
- Menorrhagia: heavy menstrual bleeding
Causes:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid disorders
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
Treatment:
- Hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control pills)
- Pain management (e.g., NSAIDs)
- Surgery (e.g., hysterectomy)

Hormonal methods:
- Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
- Progestin-only Pills (POPs)
- Contraceptive patches
- Vaginal rings
Barrier methods:
- Male and female condoms
- Diaphragms
- Cervical caps
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs):
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Implants (e.g., Nexplanon)
Permanent methods:
- Vasectomy (male sterilization)
- Tubal ligation (female sterilization)

Causes:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Dysmenorrhea
Treatment:
- Pain management (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids)
- Hormonal therapies
- Surgery (e.g., laparoscopy, hysterectomy)
- Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, physical therapy)

Stages:
- Perimenopause: transition to menopause
- Menopause: cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months
- Postmenopause: period after menopause
Symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
Treatment:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Non-hormonal therapies (e.g., antidepressants, blood pressure medications)
- Lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management)
- Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, herbal remedies)

Early detection and prevention of cervical cancer significantly improve outcomes.
Pap Smear: Screens cervical cells for atypical changes, essential for early intervention.
HPV Testing: Identifies high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer.
Co-testing: Combines Pap smear and HPV testing for comprehensive screening.
Screening recommendations:
- Women aged 21-29 should have Pap smears every 3 years.
- Women aged 30-65 should undergo co-testing every 5 years or have a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Women 65 and older may discontinue screening if previous results were normal.

Common Types:
- Amenorrhea: Lack of menstrual periods over a significant timeframe.
- Oligomenorrhea: Rare menstrual cycles occurring more than 35 days apart.
- Dysmenorrhea: Discomfort and pain during menstruation.
- Menorrhagia: Excessive menstrual bleeding, impacting daily life.
Underlying Causes:
- Hormonal imbalances can disrupt regular cycles.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects hormone levels and ovulation.
- Thyroid disorders may influence menstrual regularity.
- Uterine fibroids can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort.
- Endometriosis may lead to painful periods.
Treatment options include hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control), NSAIDs for pain relief, and surgical procedures like hysterectomy if necessary.

Hormonal Contraceptives:
- Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Contain estrogen and progestin; regulate cycles.
- Progestin-only Pills (POPs): Suitable for those unable to take estrogen.
- Contraceptive Patches and Vaginal Rings: Convenient alternatives for hormone delivery.
Barrier Methods: Protect against pregnancy and STIs with male/female condoms and diaphragm use.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs):
- IUDs: Effective for extended periods, varying types available.
- Implants: e.g., Nexplanon offers a convenient subdermal option.
Permanent Methods: Surgical interventions like vasectomy for males and tubal ligation for females provide lifetime contraception.

Causes of Pelvic Pain:
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis cause tissue-related pain.
- Uterine fibroids can lead to discomfort and heavy periods.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause chronic issues.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often coexists with pelvic pain syndromes.
Key Symptoms:
- Chronic pelvic pain can interfere with daily life.
- Dyspareunia: Pain during intercourse complicates intimate relationships.
- Dysmenorrhea: Contributes to pain perception during menstrual periods.
Treatments may include pain management (NSAIDs, opioids), hormonal therapies, invasive surgical options (laparoscopy, hysterectomy), and alternative therapies like acupuncture.

Stages of Menopause:
- Perimenopause: Characterized by fluctuations in hormone levels; transition phase.
- Menopause: Defined as the cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 months.
- Postmenopause: Life stage following menopause with ongoing health considerations.
Symptoms experienced include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats disrupt daily comfort.
- Vaginal dryness may affect sexual health and quality of life.
- Mood changes can be significant, affecting emotional well-being.
Treatment strategies encompass Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), non-hormonal options (antidepressants, blood pressure meds), lifestyle adaptations (diet, exercise), and alternative medicines such as acupuncture and herbal techniques.