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The Pap test checks for changes in the cervix that may become cancer. In women who have regular Pap tests, abnormal changes are almost always caught early. If your Pap results are abnormal, your physician may recommend additional testing such as: a repeat pap smear, HPV testing, or a colposcopy. These tests help us determine whether your results are mildly abnormal or precancerous. Your physician will work with you to find the most appropriate treatment options and help you to develop a plan of care. It is important to follow treatment recommendations made by your physician, as our goal is to keep you as healthy as possible. Abnormal bleeding is defined as bleeding between periods, excessive bleeding, bleeding after sex, spotting at any time during your cycle, or perimenopausal or postmenopausal bleeding. There are many different causes for abnormal bleeding. Before you can be treated, your physician has to determine the cause for your bleeding. In order to diagnose possible causes for bleeding, your physician will ask you questions about medication use, exercise and stress level, birth control use, and your personal health history. You will have a physical exam and possible lab work. Depending on your symptoms, your physician may order additional tests. Most women experience cramping or mild pain with their menstrual periods. However, some women experience severe pelvic pain and other physical symptoms that interfere with their daily life. Dysmenorrhea is defined as moderate to severe pain that occurs with menstruation. It may occur prior to, during, and following menses. This condition can be treated with medications, hormones, or in some cases, surgery. Exercise and alternative treatments like relaxation techniques or massage can help to alleviate symptoms in some women. Your physician will go over your health history and your symptoms and help you develop a treatment plan. Endometrial tissue, or the tissue that makes up the lining of the uterus, can sometimes grow in other areas of the pelvis. This is called endometriosis. This tissue responds to normal hormonal changes and bleeds like the lining of the uterus. This can cause adhesions, chronic pelvic pain and or painful periods. Sometimes, endometriosis can be a cause of infertility. Symptoms of endometriosis can be chronic and may range from very mild to very severe. Treatment options range from medication to surgery or both. Your physician will work with you to find the most appropriate treatment options and help you to develop a plan of care. Uterine fibroids, or leiomyoma, are growths associated with the uterine lining or muscle that can cause abnormal bleeding, painful periods, pelvic pain, or infertility. Fibroids can be detected by a pelvic exam or ultrasound. Some fibroids are small and do not require treatment. However, depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids in the uterus, medication and or surgery may become necessary. Your physician will recommend treatment options based on your symptoms and physical condition. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that affects both females and males. Most types of HPV are harmless, do not cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they can affect the genital area. Some types are high risk and can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that sometimes turn into cancer. Others are low risk and can cause genital warts and changes in the cervix that are benign (abnormal but noncancerous). A routine Pap test can help detect these changes. There is no cure for HPV, but you can take steps to reduce your risk by limiting your number of sexual partners and using condoms when you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Women younger than 26 years of age can be vaccinated against the strains that most commonly cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. This infection is usually spread through sexual contact. HSV presents as sores, blisters, or ulcers on the vulva. Symptoms may range from mild to severe; in some cases, there may be no symptoms with an outbreak of the herpes virus. Patients may experience itching, pain, or localized discomfort with the appearance of the lesions. Symptoms may last a few days to several weeks, and may reoccur periodically. There is no cure for the herpes virus, but there are medications that can help control active outbreaks and provide relief of symptoms. |