Methodist Charlton Medical Center
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Fall 2014
7
Q
How often do I really need a
Pap test?
A
I recommend that women
have their first Pap test two to
three years after the first time they
have intercourse and then annually
until age 30. That’s when you’ll
also start being tested for HPV — a
sexually transmitted virus that can
ultimately lead to cervical cancer.
If your Pap test and HPV
screening are both normal, you
can reduce Pap tests to every
three years.
Starting at age 65, you should
have one every two years, as
long as results are normal. Your
doctor may also have other
recommendations based on your
personal health history.
Q
Now that I’m postmeno-
pausal, should I consider taking
estrogen supplements?
A
It’s worth discussing with
your doctor, as there are definite
benefits to estrogen therapy. It
improves your thinking abilities,
preserves bone mass, raises good
cholesterol levels, improves blood
circulation, and reduces risks for
heart disease. Another perk is that
it prevents overactive bladder and
vaginal discomfort.
There is a minor risk for blood
clots in the lungs, however, as
well as a slightly increased risk for
breast cancer when combined
with progesterone. And estrogen
therapy is not a safe option if
you have a history of estrogen-
dependent cancer.
Q
After my period, I often have
a gray-colored vaginal discharge
with a strange, fishy odor. Is this
a problem?
A
You are describing bacterial
vaginosis (BV), a condition caused
by too much “bad” bacteria in the
vagina. It’s usually controlled by the
natural acidity in “good” bacteria,
but menstruating, having a new
partner, douching, and smoking
can all lower this acidity and throw
off the good-bad bacteria ratio.
Definitely see your doctor if
you’re showing symptoms of BV;
he or she can prescribe antibiotics.
Treatment also helps prevent other
risks associated with BV, such as
increased risk of contracting or
transmitting a sexually transmitted
infection or, if you’re pregnant,
increased risk of preterm delivery.
Questions & Answers
Richard Wallner, MD, FACOG, gynecologist on the medical staff at
Methodist Charlton Medical Center, shares his expertise regarding
some common women’s health questions.
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with Richard Wallner, MD, FACOG
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