Introduction
Pelvic and pap tests are done for the detection of precancerous or cancerous states of the cervix. Further the teats help in the discovery of other infections in the reproductive organs as well as changes that may be considered abnormal. When a woman has healthy reproductive organs, it is essential since it reduces chances of complications during pregnancy and also results in normal fertility. During pelvic and pap tests, the woman undergoes screening and thus sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed. Further, conditions related to pregnancy are also diagnosed. Therefore, incase of abnormal cells or conditions, the woman undergoes treatment thus preventing the worsening of the condition. This involves women of the reproductive age.
Most people start having sexual intercourse at their adolescent age and that is why adolescents should also be prepared to have pelvic and pap tests. This topic is important since all people should have access to quality reproductive health. According to Bearinger, Sieving, Ferguson & Sharma (2007) there is need to continually invest in the strategies for the prevention as well as the treatment. This is because it helps in the protection of the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents. If not well taken care of during their adolescent stage, the reproductive health will be at risk. For instance, cancer is known to be a deadly disease and thus cancerous cells need to be detected early enough so that they can be destroyed before they cause grave effects.
There are various ways of preparing adolescents for pelvic and pap tests. Before the treatment of any disease, prevention is important. Therefore, adolescents should first be trained on how to take care of their reproductive health and its importance. Since they may engage in risky sexual behaviors, they should have education programs on sex. These are important because they provide the adolescents with information on the risks of irresponsible behaviors and also provide them with skills essential for negotiating sexual behaviors. It is through these training programs that these youths will learn and thus take more responsibilities in their reproductive health.
Adolescents face threat burdens in regard to their sexual as well as reproductive health. Therefore, just like any other adults who are economically able to access reproductive health care, these services should be extended to the adolescents. For instance there should be health care providers who have adequate training in working with the youths and the adolescents should have access to their services (Bearinger, Sieving, Ferguson & Sharma 2007). Thes
When adolescents are prepared for these tests, chances of chronic conditions developing are minimized. According to Sawyer, Drew, Yeo & Britto (2007) the minimal percentage of adults living with chronic conditions is 12%. However, with early preparation, this can be reduced. An example of these is through vaccinations which minimize the chances of suffering from reproductive health related problems. Therefore, adolescents need to be prepared for the tests and trained on reproductive health for the improvement of their life.
Questions
Which are the negative effects associated with vaccinations? This needs to be explored since there are reports that the vaccines enhance sexual activity and thus can result to increased risky behaviors.
What is the importance of
pelvic and pap tests and should they be part of the regular health care for adolescents? This will help in the understanding of the risks associated with failure to undergo regular tests and how regular women should undergo these tests.
References
Bearinger, L.H., Sieving, R.E., Ferguson, J. & Sharma, V. (2007). Global perspectives on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents: patterns, prevention, and potential. The Lancet. Vol. 369 (9568). 1220-1231.
Sawyer, S.M., Drew, S., Yeo, M.S. & Britto, M.T. (2007). Adolescents with a chronic condition: challenges living, challenges treating. The Lancet. Vol. 369 (9571). 1481-1489.
