Ensure optimal care with expert insights on Pap Smears Test
Do you know regular pap smears can save you from cervical cancer? This simple screening can help you detect signs of diseases in your cervix. You can prevent your condition from becoming serious if you maintain this test from your 20s. Our blog will discuss pap smears in detail. We will help you understand the necessity of this test. Hopefully, you will be encouraged to take women’s healthcare seriously from now on.
What is Pap Smear?
A pap smear is a screening procedure. It is conducted on women during pelvic exams. This test is done to identify abnormal cells inside your cervix. We collect cells from your cervix for lab analysis. We recommend our female patients undergo this screening to detect cervical cancer.
Why Do Women Need Pap Smear?
Cervical cancer is a life threatening disease. Regular pap smears can help you manage this long term deadly disease effectively. We recommend that our females have regular pap smears from their 20s. This assessment can detect the development of cancer in the early stages. You can slow down the progress of your cancer condition effectively through early treatment. It increases your chances of getting completely cured as well.
When Should You Get Pap Smear?
We suggest Pap smears to our female patients considering their age and risk factors. However, we advise the following as general guidelines:
21-29 years: You should do this screening every three years.
30-65 years: You should have a Pap smear and HPV test together every five years. But for Pap smear every three years is enough.
Over 65 years: We usually don’t recommend this screening to women over 65 if they have a normal result. However, you should discuss with us for proper suggestions.
What Should You Expect During the Procedure?
Pap smear is a quick procedure. But some of you may feel uncomfortable. Female physicians usually conduct this test to reduce your discomfort. We make you lie on the exam table. Then we insert a spatula or small brush into your vagina to collect cells from the cervix. We examine your sample in the lab to look for infection or cancer.
However, you need to make some preparations before your screening for accurate results. You should book your screening when you are not menstruating. Before 48 hours of your screening, you have to avoid sexual intercourse, douching and vaginal medications.
What Happens After Your Screening?
We usually receive your test results within a week. We assign you follow up appointments as part of our primary care treatment plan to discuss your results. We recommend continue with routine screenings if your results are normal. We also suggest additional tests and provide guidance for the next treatment steps in case we identify problems.
Understanding Your Results
Normal or Negative: It means your cervix is healthy. You can continue with routine screenings.
Abnormal or Positive: This means your cervix is not healthy. There may be a presence of infection or cancer. You will need additional tests to confirm the existence of cervical cancer.
Role of HPV on Your Cervical Health
HPV also causes cervical cancer. We consider testing this sexually transmitted infection as well. We conduct an HPV test with Pap smear in case we identify your risk factors. Your chance of cervical cancer is low if both your test results are normal.
Why Get Pap Smear at Your Primary Care Center?
Our primary care center offers comprehensive care for your health needs. You can get your necessary screenings as well as preventive care in one location. Primary care physician knows about your health condition in detail. You will get personalized recommendations and proper follow up care. The bonding with your PCP will make you feel comfortable during the assessment.
Schedule Your Pap Smear!
Are you looking for a reliable primary care clinic for pap smears? You can consider Efficient Medical Care PC if you are in Sunnyside, Jamaica and Jackson Heights. Our primary care physician, Dr. Barnali Hasan MD is a board certified internist. We offer comprehensive physical exams for preventive care and health screenings to our female patients. Our physician listens to your concerns with patience. We understand that a Pap smear can be uncomfortable for some of you. For this reason, our female physician does their best to make you comfortable. We allow walk in visits for your convenience. We are currently accepting new patients. Book your appointment today.
