I am 32 with vaginal discharge. Is cervical screening needed?

Question

Hello doctor,

As I am 32 years old, I want to be aware of cervical cancer. I want to know about cervical screening. I have my periods regularly, but I have more of a white discharge, which I would not say is abnormal, but I have this curd-like discharge before my periods and severe itching in my private area.

How would the cervical screening test be helpful to me?
What are the diseases it would diagnose when done?
Is it important for a woman below 40 to undergo this test?
What can be done to treat this?
Is this a sign of any serious disease?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The white curd-like discharge that you have is because of candidal vaginitis. If it happens frequently, then I suggest you get your blood sugars done. However, you might need a course of antibiotics for discharge. Do not worry about it; it is not serious. Every woman should undergo cervical cancer screening. These screenings can diagnose premalignant lesions of the cervix, and they can prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Cervical screening should begin at the age of 25 with an HPV (human papillomavirus) test and continue every five years until age 65, with the option of performing a Pap smear (Papanicolaou test) every three years.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.