Cervical cancer or cervical cancer ranks second in the most common cancer series in Indonesia. Early detection of cervical cancer through IVA examination (Visual Inspection of Acetic Acid) is thought to help save many women because it is relatively easy to do and the results are quickly obtained.
IVA 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. 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 device called a speculum or cocor duck into the vagina. This tool holds the vaginal mouth open, so that the neck and cervix can be seen.
- Then the doctor will dip the stem of cotton stem (similar to cotton bud) into a solution of acetic acid (vinegar) levels of 3-5%.
- Clumps of cotton that have 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 reactions that occur, usually in the form of changes in the color of the cervix that has been applied with acetic acid.
Healthy cervical tissue will not change color after being applied with acetic acid. However, if there are abnormal cells in the cervix, white spots 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, your 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
For accurate results, IVA examinations should only be done by women who:
- Already had sex
- Do not have sex for 24 hours before the examination
- Not menstruating
If you meet these three conditions, you can undergo an IVA examination periodically as directed by your doctor, or at least once every 3-5 years. This is done to detect cervical cancer early, because the symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer are often unclear. Symptoms generally only appear at an advanced stage.
IVA examination is highly recommended for women who are at risk of cervical cancer, for example women with a family history of cervical cancer (heredity), have more than one sexual partner, or have experienced a sexually transmitted infection.
Level of Accuracy of IVA Examinations
In general, the accuracy rate of IVA is indeed lower than other tests for cervical cancer, which is only 61%. Pap smear examination has an accuracy rate of around 80%, and a colposcopy examination of around 75%.
Even so, IVA checks are considered efficient, quite accurate, and can be done at the puskesmas.
IVA examination is the easiest effort 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.
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