5 Ways To Improve Your Cervical Health

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the perfect time to educate yourself about the cervix, an essential part of the female reproductive system. According to the CDC, each year, more than 11,00 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. This month, we’re calling attention and awareness to this disease by highlighting a few ways to improve your cervical health.

January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The American Association for Cancer Research suggests cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells arise in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) is often the cause of cervical cancer. Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we understand the importance of taking care of your cervix. That’s why we have compiled a list of 5 ways to improve your cervical health. 

1. Know The Basics

To improve your cervical health, you first must know the basics. The cervix is an organ that connects the uterus to the vagina and is a part of a woman’s reproductive system. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects roughly 80% of women in their lifetime. There are many ways to improve and maintain your cervical health to protect your overall health for years to come.  

1. Get Tested

One of the best ways to ensure a healthy cervix is to get tested. A pap smear is a procedure that tests for cervical cancer. This test is done by collecting cells from the surface of the cervix. The cells are then evaluated at a lab for signs they may become cancerous. Early detection of cervical cancer is easier to treat, making pap smears essential for cervical health. General healthcare recommendations suggest those between the ages of 21-65 should receive a pap smear every three years. 

1. Get Vaccinated

To maintain cervical health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests all women receive their HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine targets the types of viruses that commonly cause cervical cancer and, in some cases, may cause cancers of the vulva, vagina, and anus. Studies suggest the HPV vaccine can lower your chances of genital warts and cancer caused by HPV by up to 99%. To protect your cervical health, it is suggested all people ages 9 to 45 receive their HPV vaccine. 

1. Opt For Healthy Lifestyle Choices

By opting for healthy lifestyle choices, you can maintain your cervical health for years to come. Some behaviors to adopt include:

• Smoking cessation
• Attending annual doctor appointments and follow-up appointments
• Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Regular physical activity
• Practicing safe sex
• Limiting sexual partners

These lifestyle choices, paired with regular cervical health screenings, are sure to put you on the right path toward cervical health.  

1. Practice Safe Sex

Along with getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex is another way to maintain your cervical health. Some ways to practice safe sex include using a male condom, using a female internal condom, dental dams for oral sex, and refraining from sharing sex toys. When touching your partner’s genitals, ensure you wash your hands and refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or own genitals. For more ways to practice safe sex, visit this resource.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness month, Kernodle OB/GYN encourages you to protect yourself by taking the necessary steps to maintain your cervical health during ovulation and beyond.  Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we provide full-scope individualized women’s health care, including gynecological care, midwifery services, and low- and high-risk maternity care for women and their families. Check out our website or give us a call for more information.