January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a positive reminder that prevention and early care can make a meaningful difference over time. Cervical health isn’t always top of mind, and that’s completely normal. Many cervical conditions don’t cause noticeable symptoms right away, which is why awareness, screening, and listening to your body are so important.
If you’ve been meaning to schedule care, have questions you’ve been putting off, or want to start the year feeling more informed, this month is a great time to take one simple step forward.
What Cervical Health Means and Why It Matters
Cervical health refers to the health of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix can be affected by inflammation, infections, and changes in cervical cells over time. Most concerns are manageable, especially when they’re found early.
That’s why early detection matters. Some changes develop gradually and may not cause obvious symptoms at first, which is exactly where screening tests can help.
Cervical Health Concerns to Be Aware Of
Cervical health includes a range of conditions from common irritation and infections to cervical cell changes that may need follow-up. The goal of awareness isn’t to worry; it’s to understand what’s possible and why screening matters.
Common concerns include:
- HPV (human papillomavirus): Very common and often symptom-free, but some types can lead to cervical cell changes over time.
- Cervicitis (cervical inflammation): May be linked to irritation, infections, or some STIs and can sometimes cause discharge or bleeding.
- Abnormal cervical cells: Often found through screening; many cases don’t mean cancer, but may require monitoring or follow-up testing.
- Precancerous changes: Cell changes that can be treated or closely monitored to help prevent progression.
- Cervical cancer: Less common and typically develops slowly, which is why regular screening and timely follow-up are key parts of cervical cancer prevention.
Why Screening Matters
Screening is one of the most effective tools we have to protect cervical health and support cervical cancer awareness.
A Pap smear (Pap test) checks for changes in cervical cells that may need follow-up. HPV testing checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), including types that are more closely linked to cervical cell changes over time. These screening tests can identify concerns early often before you would feel any symptoms which is a major reason cervical cancer screening saves lives.
What a Cervical Screening Visit May Look Like
A cervical screening visit is usually quick and straightforward.
Screening may include:
- A brief conversation about your health history, symptoms, and any concerns
- A pelvic exam to gently check the pelvic area
- A speculum exam so the provider can view the cervix
- Collecting a small sample of cervical cells for a Pap smear (Pap test)
- HPV testing (depending on your age, history, and what you’re due for)
- Follow-up guidance on results and next steps, if needed
If you feel nervous, have had discomfort with pelvic exams before, or want extra guidance, it’s okay to say so. You can ask questions, request a pause, and talk through what to expect before anything begins.
Symptoms to Pay Attention To
Many cervical issues don’t cause symptoms early, but if something feels new or unusual, it’s worth getting checked. Symptoms can have many causes, most of which are treatable, and an evaluation helps you get the right answers sooner.
Symptoms to take seriously include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods or after intercourse)
- Pelvic pain or persistent pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in vaginal discharge (new odor, unusual color, or heavier-than-normal discharge)
If you’re unsure whether something “counts,” it still deserves attention. You shouldn’t have to guess.
HPV and Cervical Health
HPV is extremely common. Many people have HPV at some point, often without symptoms, and many HPV infections clear on their own. Still, certain HPV types can lead to cervical cell changes over time, which is why screening and follow-up care are so helpful.
The HPV vaccine is also an important preventive option for many people and can reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers. If you’re unsure whether HPV vaccination is recommended for you or someone in your family, a healthcare provider can help you understand your options.
Positive Steps You Can Take This Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month is about empowerment. You don’t have to do everything at once. One step is enough to start.
This month, consider:
- Getting up to date on routine screenings (or scheduling if you’re overdue)
- Following up on past abnormal results, even if it’s been a while
- Asking about the HPV vaccine if you’re eligible
- Getting evaluated if you’re noticing new or persistent symptoms
If you’ve delayed care, you’re not behind; you’re human. January is simply a good time to restart with a plan you can actually follow.
When It’s Time to Get Checked
It’s a good idea to seek medical care if symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening, or if you’re concerned about infection or STI exposure. It’s also worth reconnecting with care if you had an abnormal screening result in the past and didn’t complete follow-up. That situation is common, and providers can help you understand the next best step without judgment.
While cervical screening is typically done in a primary care or OB-GYN setting, urgent care can be a helpful starting point when symptoms come up unexpectedly.
How +MEDRITE Can Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms like pelvic discomfort, unusual discharge, or concerns about infection or STI exposure, +MEDRITE Urgent Care can evaluate symptoms, recommend appropriate testing when indicated, and guide next steps. When specialized follow-up is needed, our team can also help with referrals to the right provider.
Most importantly, you can expect care that’s respectful and clear. These concerns are common, and you deserve support that helps you feel informed, not overwhelmed.
A January Check-In That Can Make a Real Difference
Cervical Health Awareness Month is a reminder that preventive care is self-care. Whether you’re staying current with screening, catching up on care you postponed, or getting checked for symptoms you’ve been unsure about, taking that step matters.
If you have questions or symptoms you’d like evaluated, +MEDRITE is here to help. Women’s health services are available at our 5th Ave, Midtown West, and Astoria locations, and you can choose what works best for you, walk in or book an appointment for added convenience.