Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Pap Smear Screening

Last Saturday, I went to see my obgyn. Did a pap smear test, breast examination, ultrasound of the breast and abdomen. Everything is normal, just have to wait for the pap smear result in a week's time. There's a new type of screening for pap smear which is computerised. You can get the result on the spot and doctor said it's slightly more accurate than the traditional screening. It's about RM100 more expensive. I didn't try that as I think the traditional one is good enough for now.

I also asked him about the cervical cancer vaccine. The hospital only carries one type (Gardasil by Merck). The cost is RM450 per jab (inclusive of consultation fees). The other one is Cervarix by GlaxoSmithKline. These are the information I got from him :

* Both for women till age 45.
* They help guard against different types of HPV (with 2 similar strains) which cause cervical cancer and genital warts. In conclusion, they have almost the same benefits.
* 3 jabs altogether (at 0, 2 and 6 months).
* If you plan to get pregnant within that period, it is not advisable to take the vaccine.
* Take the jab when you are not having your period.
* Not known when a booster jab may be needed. Further research is still on-going. (But the internet says Cervarix provides protection over a 4.5 year period.)

I am quite decided to take the vaccine. Will consult my obgyn again next month. Hopefully it's not too late. Awaiting the pap smear result... Nah... I'm sure everything would be fine. ; )

14 comments:

michelle@mybabybay said...

Wow now it is good for woman 45 years old. I must check with my doc. He told me otherwise.

By the way, with the jab, do we still need to go for pap smear test every year?

LindaLow said...

You have done well with all other test and i'm sure your papsmear will be fine too:)

The vaccines is really good. I am also thinking of getting it when i'm back in KL.

Oliveoylz said...

Article in the Star paper on 18th May, 2008.

http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2008/5/18/health/21139586&sec=health

It was reported the latest is approved for use in women from 10 to 45 yrs old.

The report concurs with your gynae's information. Looks like we can still protect ourselves?

Anonymous said...

thanks for d info....wow, expensive hor, sweat man...but of course if that could give assurance of a peace of mind, why not!!
yes, u will be alright!!

Anggie's Journal said...

Heh, that's one clinik near KFC Sg chua, the clinik was inside and same as "Clink kanak kanak Wong " which Jeremy pead doctor.
The cervical cancer vaccine cost RM375 per jab , (1, 2 and 7 months).
i was thinking to take too , but i will go see my obgyn first about this jab . cos my obgyn at KPJ .
btw which obgyn u go ?

Tracy said...

Oh, oops! I'm too old for those jabs oredi (heehee).

Mummy In Vain said...

i asked my doc and she charges me only RM400 in Ipoh here. Recently she has offer with RM380 per jab, but I didn't accept the offer. very expensive wor....

Have fun with this tag, fren.

http://mummyinvainslifejournal.blogspot.com/2008/05/your-name-in-japanese.html

sting said...

that's good info.. thanks... will check with my doc the next round..

Anonymous said...

i jsut had my pap smear done two weeks ago, hope urs will be fine.. i must go ask my gynae abt cervarix liao

Anonymous said...

oh din noe during menses cant jab leh, but anyway wen i took my jab last time i was not having my menses... btw the one i took its cervarix

Lee said...

Hi Slavemom, good for you to take all these tests.
Prevention is always better than cure.
My wife going for her mamo soon as well complete physical, once a year.
You keep well and have a nice day, Lee.

slavemom said...

Mich, yes, still need to do pap smear. Coz the vaccine doesn't protect against all types of HPV.

Linda, wat's the price like in SGP?

Juana, thx for the link!

Jac, vy exp but I'm sure it's worth spending.

Anggie, do find out more from the clinic (y so cheap) and share with us the info ya.

Tracy, regular pap smear screening is also a good protection.

Jacelyn, that's vy good offer wor. Hmmm.. I wonder how come some clinic can offer so cheap. Thx for the tag!

Siew Ting, happy to share. :)

Wen, don't forget to share with us ya.

Alicia, did u experience any side effects?

Uncle Lee, it's good to hv regular chk-ups. U hv a good day too!

Yatie said...

during my last visit to my gynae, did noticed I have lump on my breast...wah so scaring, but after gone for unltra sound thank gos it's normal....

slavemom said...

Yatie, wow.. must hv been worried sick. Luckily everything's normal.