Cervical cancer or cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indonesia. Early detection of cervical cancer through an IVA (Visual Inspection of Acetic Acid) examination is considered to be able to help save many women because it is relatively easy to do and the results are obtained quickly.
VIA examination is done by dripping acetic acid (vinegar) on the surface of the cervix. This technique is considered affordable, easy, only requires simple tools, and the results can be obtained immediately.
IVA Examination Method
To do this test, you can visit a hospital, clinic, or health center. The IVA examination is carried out with the following steps:
- You will be asked to lie down with your legs open (lithotomy).
- The doctor will insert a tool called a speculum or duck cocor into the vagina. This tool serves to hold the vaginal opening so that the cervix and cervix can be seen.
- Then the doctor will dye a cotton swab with stems (similar to cotton bud) to a solution of acetic acid (vinegar) with a concentration of 3-5%.
- A cotton swab that has been moistened with acetic acid will be gently applied to the surface of your cervical tissue.
- The doctor will wait for 1 minute to assess the reaction that appears, usually a discoloration of the cervical area that has been applied with acetic acid.
Healthy cervical tissue will not change color after applying acetic acid. However, if there are abnormal cells in the cervix, white patches will appear on the surface of the cervix. This can indicate the presence of tumor cells or cancer cells in the cervix.
As a follow-up, the doctor will refer you to an obstetrician and gynecologist for further examination. Especially if you experience complaints, such as vaginal bleeding and suspicious vaginal discharge.
IVA Examination Requirements
In order for the results to be accurate, the IVA examination should only be performed by women who:
- Have you ever had sex?
- Not having sex for 24 hours before the examination
- Not menstruating
If you meet these three requirements, you can undergo an IVA examination periodically as recommended by your doctor, or at least every 3-5 years. This is done to detect cervical cancer early, because the symptoms of early stage cervical cancer are often not clear. Symptoms generally appear at an advanced stage.
VIA examination is highly recommended for women who are at risk for cervical cancer, for example women with a history of cervical cancer in the family (heredity), having more than one sexual partner, or having experienced sexually transmitted infections.
IVA Examination Accuracy Level
In general, the accuracy of the VIA examination is lower than other tests for cervical cancer, which is only 61%. Pap smear examination has an accuracy rate of about 80%, and colposcopy examination about 75%.
Even so, the VIA examination is considered efficient, quite accurate, and can be done at the puskesmas.
VIA examination is the easiest way to detect cervical cancer early, especially if you are in a location far from health facilities with adequate facilities and infrastructure. To get the right examination recommendations, you can consult further with your doctor.