Women's Health in Johor: Pap Smear, Breast Check & Comprehensive Care

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysian women, yet it is almost entirely preventable. The Pap smear (cervical smear test) detects pre-cancerous changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer — typically years in advance. Who should have a Pap smear: all women who are or have been sexually active, from age 21 (or within 3 years of first sexual activity). Continue until age 65. Frequency: every 3 years if the result is normal. An HPV co-test (Pap smear plus HPV DNA test) can extend the interval to 5 years if both are normal. What to expect: the procedure takes approximately 5 minutes. A speculum is gently inserted to visualise the cervix, and a small brush collects cells. There may be mild discomfort but it should not be painful. Results take a few days. HPV vaccination: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents infection with the high-risk HPV strains that cause approximately 70 to 90% of cervical cancers. Recommended for girls and women up to age 26, and may benefit women up to age 45 — discuss with Dr. Kirubah at your next visit. PEKA B40 provides free Pap smears for eligible women. At Klinik Muhibbah, Pap smears are available — please call for current pricing. Book at movo-x.com/kiosk/muhibbah.

Menstrual problems are among the most common reasons women visit a GP, yet many women delay seeking help due to normalising their symptoms. Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods): mild cramping is normal. Severe pain that limits activities is not and warrants investigation. Primary dysmenorrhoea has no underlying cause and is treated with NSAIDs (mefenamic acid) and hormonal options. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis — conditions that are treatable but require diagnosis. Menorrhagia (heavy periods): soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, passing large clots, or period lasting more than 7 days is considered heavy. Causes include fibroids, adenomyosis, hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders, and bleeding disorders. Investigation includes blood tests (FBC for anaemia, thyroid function, coagulation studies) and pelvic ultrasound. Irregular periods: infrequent, irregular, or absent periods can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorder, excessive weight loss or exercise, or perimenopause. Blood tests (LH, FSH, testosterone, thyroid) and ultrasound help diagnose the cause. Perimenopause symptoms: women in their mid-40s to early 50s may experience hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbance, and irregular periods. These are hormonal transitions that can be managed — discuss options with Dr. Kirubah at Klinik Muhibbah.

Dr. Kirubah Sai Patnaik (MMC 93850) provides comprehensive women's health services at Klinik Muhibbah in a private, comfortable setting. Services include Pap smear screening, clinical breast examination, women's health blood panels (hormones, thyroid, anaemia, bone markers), antenatal care and pregnancy monitoring, contraception counselling, menstrual problem assessment, menopause management, and coordination of referrals for specialist gynaecological care. Klinik Muhibbah is located at No. 62 Jalan Kiambang, Taman Bunga Raya, 81700 Masai, Johor. Operating hours: Mon–Thu & Sat 9AM–9PM, Fri 9AM–3PM, Sun 9AM–1PM. For women who prefer to see a specific doctor, booking in advance through movo-x.com/kiosk/muhibbah allows you to check doctor availability and secure your preferred slot. Contact us at +60 7-251 1162 / +60 7-252 1162.