The bad news is, you’ll still have to get cervical smear tests.
“Cervical cancer screening in the form of Pap smears and/or HPV tests is still necessary because the vaccine does not cover all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer,” Dr Huang told CNA Women. “Also, you may have been exposed to HPV before vaccination. And, finally, the vaccine does not treat existing infections – it only prevents future ones.”
Regardless of whether you’ve had the HPV vaccine, you should get a Pap smear every three years if you’re aged 21 to 29. For women aged between 30 and 65, Dr Huang advised to do it every three years, or a Pap and HPV co-test every five years, or HPV testing alone every five years.
“Screening helps detect abnormal cells early, allowing for early treatment before cancer develops,” she said.
Fact #4: No, cranberry juice does not cure UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women – one in five females aged 20 to 65 experience it at least once a year. It occurs when there’s a significant amount of bacteria in the urinary tract and, if left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys.
If you’ve been reaching for cranberry juice to cure your UTI, you might want to stop.
“While cranberry juice can’t treat UTIs, some studies suggest cranberry products may help prevent them,” said Dr Huang.
“A substance in cranberries, A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), has anti-adhesion properties that can prevent harmful bacteria (including E. coli, which is commonly associated with urinary tract infections) from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract,” she added.
The only cure for UTIs is antibiotics, which have to be prescribed by a doctor. If you have UTI symptoms such as painful urination, urgency or cloudy urine, Dr Huang recommended you see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
