The Melanin Initiative's Podcast
In healthcare, there is often too much information and not enough time. Here at The Melanin Initiative, we avoid TMI by breaking things down into language you can understand, we create a safe space to ask your questions, and share our nursing perspective without taking too much of your time.
The Melanin Initiative's Podcast
Pap Smears & HPV—What Your Doctor May Not Have Told You
Welcome to TMI Replays – This August 2025, we’re revisiting one of our most impactful episodes from 2023.
Are you ready to finally understand how Pap smears protect your health—and why your screening schedule might not be what you think? This replay from The Melanin Initiative Podcast will give you clarity, confidence, and the exact questions to ask your provider so you can take control of your cervical health.
🔥 In This Episode:
We’re diving deep into the relationship between Pap smears, cervical cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV)—and breaking down what the guidelines really mean for you. You’ll learn how often to get screened based on your age and health history, what HPV means for your risk, and why the rules around Pap smears have changed over time. This is more than just a test—it’s a key to protecting your future.
✨ What You’ll Gain from This Episode:
✅ Understand exactly how Pap smears detect early changes before cancer develops
✅ Learn why HPV is so common—and what you can do to lower your risk
✅ Get empowered with the right screening questions for your next OB/GYN visit
✅ Replace confusion with confidence so you can advocate for yourself in the exam room
💡 This conversation is for every woman, person with a cervix, or caregiver who wants to make informed decisions about reproductive health. Don’t leave your wellness to guesswork—press play and learn the facts that could save your life.
🎧 Listen now:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/8-4m0JJMlEQ
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💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—we want to hear how this replay helps you feel more confident in your health decisions.
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Resources related to the show:
-Checkup and Screening Chart http://www.getitchecked.com/
-CDC vaccination recommendations for up to age 18 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
-CDC vaccination recommendations for adults 19 and older https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html
-The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices https://www.immunize.org/acip/#hpvillagelifetulsidevi
-Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (study) https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/pdfs/mm6832a3-H.pdf
Cervical Cancer
-Causes and Risks https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/causes-risk-prevention
-Pap Smear https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pap-smear
OB/GYN
- Why Annual Pap Smears Are History – But Routine Ob-Gyn Visits Are Not https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/why-annual-pap-smears-are-history-but-routine-ob-gyn-visits-are-not
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✨ Email Us: tmi.melanin@gmail.com
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