By Dr. Andrea Minesaki, ND
When is the last time that you had your well woman’s exam? This is a highly valuable exam for thoroughly checking health from head to toe. Moreover, it’s one of the best ways to screen for and prevent cervical cancer. In fact, prior to Pap smear testing, cervical cancer was the leading cause of death in women according to the Centers for Disease Control statistics. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease in sexually active people. Therefore, cervical cancer screening is an essential part of a woman’s routine health care as it offers one of the best forms of medicine to a patient and that is prevention!
The newest American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for Pap smear testing recommends that every woman age 21 and older receive testing once every three years. Furthermore, women ages 30-65 should have HPV and Pap co-testing every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years. Screening after the age of 65 may be necessary in women with particular risk factors. It should also be noted that women who have received the HPV vaccine do still need regular cervical screening.
At Vitalia Natural Medicine, well woman exams are provided by Dr. Andrea Minesaki. As a woman and a patient herself, she understands how important it is to feel safe, secure and comfortable when receiving this health exam. Dr. Minesaki is passionate about supporting a woman’s health and is skilled in women’s medicine. She offers the same Pap smear testing and cervical cancer screening as you would expect to receive in a conventional environment, but in a warm, comfortable, patient focused atmosphere. During a women’s wellness exam, you can expect to receive a brief consultation with Dr. Minesaki about any female health concerns prior to your exam, followed by a thorough physical, including a Pap smear and pelvic exam. These appointments are one hour long because we believe that patients should be given the time and attention necessary for addressing any patient concerns, as well as for providing excellent medical care. If you are a new patient to Vitalia, a 90 minute new patient appt. will be necessary to go over your medical history, followed by the women’s wellness physical exam and pap smear.
Dr. Minesaki recommends scheduling your well woman’s exam between 10-20 days after the first day of your menstrual period and to avoid sexual intercourse, douching, vaginal medicines or spermicides for about 2 days prior to testing. Please call Vitalia Natural Medicine at 760-720-6288 to schedule your wellness exam today!