Abnormal Pap Smear

Women are encouraged to start getting yearly Pap smears at the age of 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active. Pap smears are not diagnostic tests, but they are screening tools used to find any abnormal cells or dysplasia in the cervix. When women are faithful in having regular Pap smears, they increase their chances for early detection and treatment of any potential problems.

What does an abnormal pap smear mean?

Being alarmed or worried is a completely normal reaction when told your Pap smear is abnormal. An abnormal Pap smear may indicate that you have an infection or abnormal cells called dysplasia. It's important to remember that abnormal Pap smear results do not mean you have cancer. These results just show that further testing should be done to verify whether or not there is a problem.

What could cause an abnormal pap smear result?

An abnormal Pap smear may indicate any of the following:

• An infection or an inflammation
• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• Recent sexual activity
• HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) This is also called genital warts (up to 60% of women may carry this virus on their cervix, genital area, or skin and are completely unaware of it).
• Dysplasia (abnormal cells that can be pre-cancerous)
  

What is the treatment for an abnormal Pap smear?

A positive result indicates the presence of abnormal cells, also called an abnormal Pap. Remember that this is a test, not a diagnosis. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer or even dysplasia (a pre-cancerous condition). However, it usually means you should have further evaluation, such as another Pap smear, a colposcopy (using a microscope to look into the cervix) or a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue from the cervix). Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

One in ten Pap smears indicate some abnormality, though most are not serious. Further testing will be required to determine if you have infection, inflammation, a yeast infection, trichomoniasis, herpes or the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, but most women who receive treatment for abnormal cells caused by HPV, do not develop cervical cancer.

In 2003, the FDA approved a screening test that can be done in conjunction with a Pap smear to determine if you have the HPV virus.The HPV DNA test can detect high risk types of HPV before any abnormal cells can be detected on the cervix. This screening is recommended for women over the age of 30, who are at an increased risk of an HPV infection turning into pre-cancerous cells.

Some Pap smears indicate an unsatisfactory sample because of recent sexual activity or use of vaginal creams and douches. Regardless of the reason, an abnormal Pap will require another Pap smear in a few months.

If the abnormal cells are persisting, you may need further treatment, which may include the following

• A colposcopy is an examination in which a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and the cervix is painted with a vinegar solution which makes any abnormal areas stand out. When an abnormal area is located, a sample (biopsy) of the area may be taken for accurate diagnosis by a pathologist.
• Cryosurgery, or a freezing of the abnormal cells, is usually performed next. Cone biopsy is a procedure in which a triangle of cervical tissue is removed including the abnormal cells; this is either performed in a doctor's office or as an outpatient procedure. Bleeding and watery discharge are common after this treatment.
• The LEEP procedure is similar to a cone biopsy, but a loop-shaped instrument is used to remove the abnormal area. Bleeding and discharge may also occur.
  

What check-ups are necessary after treatment?

Check-ups following treatment are necessary to make sure all the abnormal cells are gone and the cervix has healed. Early detection is the key to minimize the risk of cancer developing. After treatment, women will be advised by their health care providers as to how often they will need to have routine Pap smears.

What if I have an abnormal pap smear during pregnancy?

It is safe to have a Pap smear during pregnancy. If your Pap smear results are abnormal, a colposcopy could be performed during your pregnancy. However, further treatment will probably be delayed until after your baby is born. Frequently, the birth of your baby will wash away any abnormal cervical cells. Having an abnormal Pap smear does not pose a risk to your baby.

Side Effects of Norlevo

Norlevo, which contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, is a medication that is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Norlevo may cause the user to experience a number of side effects ranging in severity based on the dose size and the particular individual.

Identification
Norlevo can be purchased over the counter and contains the hormone progesterone. It is often recognized as the "day-after pill" because it used to prevent pregnancy the day after unprotected sex has occurred. It is also recommended for use if birth-control devices have failed during intercourse. Use of the medication is most effective when taken within the first 24 hours of the sexual encounter.

Common Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with the use of Norlevo include tenderness of the breasts, nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, changes in menstrual flow and general tiredness. These common side effects may be cause for concern if any worsen or become persistent. Contact your doctor in such an event.

Severe Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, users of Norlevo may experience a variety of severe side effects including severe pain of the lower stomach, fainting, a period that is spotting and a missed period. Severe allergic reaction to the medication may also occur, signaled by skin irritation, rash and a swelling of the face or throat. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these side effects arise.

Drug Interactions
Norlevo can react negatively with a range of popular medications. Always consult a full list of possible interactions before taking Norlevo. The following drugs can react severely with this medication: acitretin, Agenerase, amprenavir, bexarotene, bosentan, etretinate, Fulvicin, Zanaflex, Lexiva and Soriatane. If you believe that you are experiencing side effects as a result of drug interaction, seek immediate attention from your doctor.

Warning
Norlevo should be used only by females. This medication will not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Do not use as a regular form of birth control. Never use Norlevo if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. Norlevo is not recommended for safe use in children.



Read more: Side Effects of Norlevo | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561350_side-effects-norlevo.html#ixzz17YHpfiWC

Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature is your body’s temperature prior to rising from bed and after having rested for a minimum of three hours. This can vary slightly from one woman to another. Increasing levels in the hormone progesterone result in a slight increase in body temperature of approximately 0.2 C degrees Celsius following ovulation. This increase may be smaller of greater and can be seen as either a sudden increase or a more gradual climb over several days. An increase in body temperature does not predict ovulation but rather signals that ovulation has already occurred. Once your body temperature peaks and remains at this higher level for three days you can conclude that ovulation has occurred. This temperature increase continues throughout your cycle until immediately prior to the onset of menstruation when it will dip slightly, however if you are pregnant your temperature will remain elevated.

The Basal Body Temperature method involves measuring your body temperature each morning prior to rising, plotting these temperature readings on a chart and examining the resulting patterns. As you see changes from month to month you will gradually build up an overall picture of your fertility pattern. By including other fertility indicators with your charting this should provide you with an even more detailed understanding of your menstrual cycle and fertility patterns.


Obtaining a thermometer

A digital basal body temperature thermometer or an accurate digital thermometer is recommended as these are easier to read and will 'beep' to let you know when your temperature has been accurately recorded. You should use the same thermometer throughout a cycle.

There are a number of manufacturers that produce thermometers especially suited for charting basal body temperatures. Typically these have a finer range, increased sensitivity measuring up to 1/100th of a degree and specialised memory features. Baby 4 You are stockists of the flexi style, high accuracy, 1/100 degree scale, auto beep OuvTemp basal body thermometer.

Taking your temperature

Prior to going to bed in the evening leave your thermometer within arm's reach of your bedside. As soon as you wake up (and before doing anything else) take your temperature according to the directions given with your particular thermometer.

You can take your temperature orally, vaginally or rectally so long as you take in same place for the duration of your cycle. You should take your temperature as close as possible to the same time each day, as your temperature can vary with time (0.1 C per hour)


Recording your temperature

Record your temperature and date either directly onto your BBT chart or onto a piece of notepaper to add into your chart or charting software latter in the day. BBT thermometers often come with a complementary blank chart that be easily photocopied. Our flexi basal thermometer comes with such a chart or you might like to download our alternative version for free.

What is a pregnancy test?

What is a pregnancy test?
A pregnancy test measures the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine. This hormone is produced by the placenta from the cells that form the placenta, excreted in the moment in which the fertilized egg implants in the uterus (about six days after fertilization). In the first days after implantation increases these hormones in your body. Pregnancy tests should be able from the first day of a missed period HCG in urine. The HCG levels are between 60 and 90 Day of pregnancy is highest.

Do you have the first test fails, then it may be because the HCG level has not yet reached the value that can be detected in a urine test. Wait a few days and repeat the test.

Not all pregnancy tests are the same. Some measure more accurately - and are also more expensive - because they can prove a pregnancy even at a very low HCG level. The HCG concentration is measured in milli-international units (mIU) or amounts of 1/1000th in IU per milliliter. A test with an accuracy of 20 IU / l is more reliable than one with 50 IU / l. This information should be available on any pregnancy test box.

How to use a pregnancy test?
You can take the test on the first day of the missed period at any time of day. Avoid excessive fluid intake before the test, as this may dilute the pregnancy hormone in urine. Non-prescription drugs such as for example Paracetamol should not affect the result, but fertility drugs containing hCG, sure.

First read the accompanying instructions carefully, because the handling is different for different tests. For some it is necessary to collect urine in a vessel and then give using a pipette, a small amount in the test vessel. In others, you urinate directly onto a test strip. In principle, however all the tests work the same way - they measure the amount of HCG in your body. The difference is the presentation of the results (positive or negative): On some lines appear in pink or blue on the test strip, while others view it in a window, a red plus or minus sign or change the color of the urine sample.

How long does it take until you can see results?
The result can be read after about five minutes - that can be the longest five minutes you have ever experienced! If you take the test in the bathroom, then wait in another room and find a job.

Are pregnancy tests accurate?
If you follow the instructions and urine pregnancy tests on the basis of 97 per cent accurate. But mistakes happen after all and that is why children are born, their mothers had two negative pregnancy tests. There are several reasons why a pregnancy test can be negative, you are not pregnant or your body secretes too little HCG. If you take the test too early (before the first day of the missed period), then you get a false negative result because it has not yet made enough HCG. The test result is negative but you still suspect to be pregnant, wait a few days, read the manual carefully and try again. False positive results - the test shows that you are pregnant, but you are not - are very rare.

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, then it is of course difficult to predict the next period. Wait as long as the longest cycle lasted in recent months. If you have recently discontinued the pill, then your natural cycle may have not yet set and test either too early or too late. If the test is negative in one of these situations, then try again after three days.

A tip: Run the test with the morning urine, because that is very concentrated.

Where to buy a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy test, you get without a prescription at any pharmacy.

How do the-counter pregnancy tests which the doctor?
Many hospitals use the-counter pregnancy tests. Occasionally, blood tests are carried out, but they do not differ materially from those feasible at home pregnancy tests. Both measure the HCG levels in your body. A blood test is more accurate than a urine test, ie they can show only six to eight days after ovulation a pregnancy.

A positive pregnancy test, even if it is made very early, is unfortunately not the same as a healthy pregnancy! Therefore, you should go after the test result to the gynecologist. Only he / she can tell you if a healthy embryo - or more! - Was developed.

Norlevo

Norlevo (0.75 mg levonorgestrel) is a new emergency contraceptive tablet available from Laboratoire HRA
Pharma. This product is the same as Plan B and patients are to take one tablet as soon as possible (i.e. within
72 hours following intercourse), followed by another tablet 12 hours later. Common side effects include nausea
and vomiting. If vomiting occurs within 1-2 hours after the first tablet is taken, the first tablet must be repeated.
Norlevo is considered a non-prescription requiring product that will be kept behind the pharmacist’s counter.
This product will only impact those plans that cover Plan B and similar non-prescription products. Price and
availability of Norlevo are currently unknown.