Symposium looks at women's health issues
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
The importance of annual Pap smears and contraceptives that are easier to use ranks high among women's health issues being discussed at a conference this week in Waikiki.
A Women's Health Symposium titled "Blending Traditions in the 21st Century" takes place today and tomorrow at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The conference is sponsored by the state Health Department, the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health.
Dr. Lori Kamemoto, an assistant professor at the University of Hawai'i medical school, is speaking at the conference on the importance of annual examinations and Pap smears for women in detecting early signs of trouble.
Kamemoto is talking about human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted disease that is common and has no symptoms, but which can be picked up in a routine exam.
Kamemoto said one study of college-age women showed as many as 50 percent of them tested positive for the disease, but with screening and early detection, most were treated and did not develop cervical cancer.
She said women can help prevent the disease by knowing the history of their partners and using condoms.
Dr. Willie Parker, an assistant professor at the UH medical school based at The Queen's Medical Center, is among local specialists looking at new types of birth control. With Hawai'i's high cost of living, many families are looking for help in planning for children, he said.
"For people who are just making ends meet with a double income, unintended pregnancies can have a big impact," Parker said.
He said newer options in contraceptives include a patch that women change once a week instead of taking a daily pill and a vaginal ring that women insert for three weeks to prevent pregnancy.
Another option, Parker said, is a contraceptive pill that causes women to menstruate four times a year instead of monthly.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at 535- 2429 or at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
