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Published in Female Health on Jan 31st 2024

Lifestyle Choices for a Healthy Cervix

The cervix plays a crucial role in overall health, serving as a protective barrier and passageway in the body. Regular medical checkups, such as Pap smears, are essential for detecting potential issues like cancer and other disorders early on. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, can contribute to maintaining optimal cervical health.

Primary Cervical Responsibilities

The cervix is a vital passageway between the uterus and vagina, resembling a tunnel-like structure. Its primary functions include preventing the insertion of foreign bodies into the uterus and facilitating menstruation by enabling the flow of blood out of the uterus and through the vagina. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the cervix changes its mucus production. During ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes thinner and less acidic, facilitating the passage of sperm through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs.

During pregnancy, the cervix experiences significant changes to prepare for childbirth. It shortens in length, softens, thins, and dilates (widens) to allow the baby to pass through during delivery. The degree of cervical dilation also helps healthcare providers estimate the duration of labor.

Pap Smears and Cervical Screenings

During cervical checkups, your healthcare provider will regularly screen for disorders affecting reproductive health, such as polyps or structural changes. However, the most common concern is the human papillomavirus {HPV}, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known to be a leading cause of cervical cancer, which ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer type. Routine HPV vaccinations, specifically Gardasil® 9, are recommended for girls and women 9 through 45 years of age, as per FDA approval guidelines.

For cervical cancer screening, it is recommended to start Pap smears (or tests) at age 21. During these tests, your provider collects cervical cells for analysis in a lab, aiming to detect HPV or any suspicious changes. Additional tests may be ordered to assess whether the cells are merely abnormal or potentially cancerous. The current Pap smear guidelines are as follows:

• Women aged 21-29 should have a Pap smear every three years.
• Women aged 30-65 should have a Pap smear every three years, or every five years if co-tested for HPV at the same time.
• Women over 65 can discontinue testing if they have had either three normal Pap tests in a row or two Pap and HPV tests with no abnormal results.

It's important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding cervical health and screening, as guidelines may vary based on individual circumstances and regional healthcare practices.

Cervical Wellness Lifestyle Changes

Safe Sex Practices

Reduce your risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can elevate the risk of cervical cancer, by practicing safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners and consistently use condoms and other forms of protection during intercourse.

Balanced Diet

Consuming a healthy diet that includes various fruits and vegetables may promote cervical health. This is likely due to their high antioxidant levels, which defend against oxidative and cellular damage. Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water may also boost cervical mucus.

Regular Pelvic Exercises

Engaging in consistent Kegel exercises, or pelvic floor muscle training, may support cervical health. These exercises strengthen the muscles supporting the pelvic floor organs, including the cervix, uterus, vagina, and bladder. You lift, hold, and then relax your pelvic floor muscles, gradually increasing the time and number of exercises.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

For female smokers, cervical cancer risks are almost doubled. Smoking also reduces the immune system’s effectiveness against HPV infections. Alcohol use is associated with cervical cancer risks, including recurrence, although further research is needed.

Improve Cervical Health Through Lifestyle Changes

Vital for fertility, including pregnancy, regular Pap smears and other screenings are essential for cervical health. Discuss lifestyle changes with your provider to reduce or prevent risks for cervical cancer and other concerns. To schedule a Pap smear, or for general fertility questions, please contact Pacific Women's OB/GYN Medical Group today.