Useful Resources
Doctor Discussion Guide
You can partner with your doctor in maintaining your cervical health. Get a better understanding of your personal health concerns by asking questions and having productive discussions with your doctor. You can use this list as a starting point.
To help get an accurate diagnosis of your condition, you should speak directly to your healthcare professional. Keep in mind that these questions are not a substitute for information provided to you by your doctor.
This list of questions about your cervical health can be downloaded and printed. You can use it as a starting point for opening a discussion with your doctor.
Annual exam
1. What will be included in my exam today?
(pelvic exam, pap test, breast exam, etc.)
2. Is my pap test a ThinPrep Pap Test and will it be imaged at the laboratory?
3. Do I need any additional testing, such as:
3a. Testing for sexually transmitted infections?
(If so, can these tests be performed using my pap sample?)
3b. Screening for osteoporosis?
3c. Mammography screening?
4. When can I expect my test results?
5. What follow-up will be required when I receive my results?
Abnormal or inconclusive pap test results
1. What do my pap test results mean?
2. Do I need further testing? If so, what kind?
3. Are you recommending additional treatment? If so:
3a. What kind of treatment?
3b. How will this treatment address my medical state?
3c. Are there any side effects that could affect me now or in the future?
3d. How should I prepare?
3e. What is the recovery time?
HPV testing and vaccination
1. I understand that the majority of HPV infections clear on their own and do not lead to cervical cancer. Given this:
1a. In addition to my pap should I have an HPV test.
1b. If so, can the test be performed using my pap sample.
2. I understand that the HPV vaccine is recommended for women ages 9-26, and that it protects against 4 strains of HPV — 2 of which may lead to cervical cancer. Given my situation:
2a. Would you recommend the HPV vaccine for me at this time?
2b. Why or why not?
Note: You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™.
Next: common questions about cervical health
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