Hi, I want to ask if the HPV vaccine is for younger girls right? But I’m already married and in my 30s—still got point to take or not ah? Or too late already?
Hello, this is something a lot of people ask when reviewing their blood test results. Firstly, let me explain what RBC count is. Your RBC count refers to the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood, typically in one microliter (µL). These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen througRead more
Hello, this is something a lot of people ask when reviewing their blood test results.
Firstly, let me explain what RBC count is. Your RBC count refers to the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood, typically in one microliter (µL). These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, so they’re quite essential for your overall health.
For context, the normal range is usually around 4.7-6.1 million cells/µL for adult men, and about 4.2 -5.4 million cells/µL for adult women. Your result of 5.11 falls within this range.
However, different labs may use slightly different reference ranges. So even if your result is considered normal, it might still be flagged in red if it sits near the upper or lower end of that lab’s cut-off. It doesn’t always mean something is wrong, but it may be highlighted for closer review.
A higher RBC count can sometimes be linked to things like dehydration, smoking or certain lung conditions. A lower count may point toward anaemia, which can result from iron or vitamin deficiencies, chronic illness, or blood loss.
That said, we usually don’t make conclusions based on one number alone. To get a clearer picture, it’s important to look at it together with other values in your blood test, such as haemoglobin, haematocrit, and MCV, as well as your overall health and any symptoms you might have.
So, if you’re unsure or just want peace of mind, I’d recommend going through the full report with your doctor.
Regards,
Dr Say
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This is a very commonly asked question by my patients who are in their 30s or already sexually active. Yes, the HPV vaccine can still be beneficial. It helps protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus, especially the high-risk types linked to cervical cancer. Some vaccines cover upRead more
This is a very commonly asked question by my patients who are in their 30s or already sexually active.
Yes, the HPV vaccine can still be beneficial. It helps protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus, especially the high-risk types linked to cervical cancer. Some vaccines cover up to nine strains, including the most common cancer-causing ones.
Although it works best when given before any exposure to HPV, women who are already sexually active can still benefit—especially if they haven’t been exposed to all the strains the vaccine protects against, which is often the case.
For adults aged 15 and above, the full schedule usually consists of three doses over six months—typically given at 0, 1–2, and 6 months.
That said, the HPV vaccine doesn’t replace cervical screening. According to the current Malaysian guidelines, all sexually active women aged 30 to 65 should undergo HPV testing every 5 years, even after vaccination, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all HPV types.
Getting vaccinated alongside routine screening gives the best protection against cervical cancer.
Regards,
Dr Say
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sayweixian/?hl=en
References:
See lessGuidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening in Malaysia, Second Edition (2023), Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www2.moh.gov.my/moh/modules_resources/bookshelf/Guidelines_For_Cervical_Cancer_Screening_in_Malaysia_2023/Guidelines_For_Cervical_Cancer_Screening_in_Malaysia_2023.pdf