How do you keep your cervix healthy?

Go for your smear tests 

When you reach the grand age of 25, you will get a letter from the doctor inviting you for a smear test. This test is painless and quick. Yes, you have to take your knickers off, lie on the bed with your knees open. But honestly, it isn’t bad. 

I’ve always had nurses that are lovely and chatty. So much so that I was distracted for the whole thing. If you are nervous about it, try not to put it off but instead talk to the nurse beforehand. Explain why you are nervous.

During the test the nurse will take a swab of cells from your cervix. These will be tested in a lab to check there are no abnormalities. The results should come back within 4 weeks of having the test. 

If there are any abnormalities then you will be invited back for a simple procedure. We hear from Hollie about this later in the blog. 

Between the ages of 25 and 49 you will be invited to be screened every 3 years. When you reach 50 to 64 you will have them every 5 years. After that, you only have one if your last three tests were abnormal.

If you are pregnant then you will have to come back after you have had the baby. 

It is a really important screening. Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in young females. Some of the symptoms you might not connect with cervical cancer, or even notice. If you are nervous about it, please talk to the nurse.

Practice safe sex

According to American Cancer Society, condoms can reduce the rate of HPV infection by around 70%. The HPV virus is common, however in some people it can cause genital warts or cancer. You can get it from vaginal, anal or oral sex and sharing sex toys. 

There is a vaccine for this now which is suitable up until the age of 26. They actually give it to teens at school. If you missed out on this vaccine, be safe! 

Eat well 

There are actually foods you can eat to help improve the health of your cervix. Here are a few we think are easy to include in your daily diet:

Butternut Squash – this contains beta-carotene. It makes the immune system strong and helps to lower the risk of cancer. Eat this roasted and cubed in a salad or blended into a winter soup. 

Pink Grapefruit – Pink grapefruit contains lycopene. Lycopene has been used as an option for treatment for those with a HPV infection. Squeeze pink grapefruit into a refreshing juice.  

Broccoli – Broccoli really is a powerhouse. We love it. It contains the B vitamin folate which is fantastic to ensure the health of the reproductive system. Roast it on a salad. Boil it. Eat it raw. Put it on a pizza. Blend it into a juice… 

Avoid perfumed soaps and douching

In a blog, vaginal hygiene 101 we shared the best and safest ways to clean and look after your vagina. In it, we mention that you should avoid perfumed soaps and douching. This can cause irritation in the cervix and upset the natural PH of your vagina.