logo
logo
Sign in

5 Things You Should Know About Pap Smear Procedure

avatar
Circle City Midwifery & Women's Health Services, Inc.
5 Things You Should Know About Pap Smear Procedure

When you see your gynecologist regularly, you will undergo testing and procedures from time to time for preventive purposes. Although many women wait until they have specific symptoms before visiting their gynecologist, it's a good idea to perform all necessary exams and tests, including a pap smear procedure, once a year.


You've come to the right place if you're new to this and still don't know what Pap means. Continue reading as we attempt to cover all the information you require regarding Pap smears in this article.


1. What Is a Pap Smear? 

Cervical cancer is diagnosed with a Pap Smear in women of all ages. All women who undergo Pap smears regularly increase their chances of preventing and curing cervical cancer.


We're here to answer any questions you may have regarding what smearing is and how it differs from other terms. A sample of cells from your cervix, the lowest portion of your vagina, is taken during a Pap smear by the gynecologist for further examination. This is very helpful for the early detection, treatment, and prevention of cervical cancer.


At Circle City Midwifery & Women's Health Services, Inc., we provide adequate time to talk about your health issues and respond to your inquiries. We will go through your medical history in detail with you during your visits, and we'll also conduct a physical exam. Pap smears and other lab testing are carried out in our clinic as needed.


2. Why Is a Pap Smear Done?

A pap smear procedure is performed to screen women of all ages and profiles for cervical cancer, as we previously explained. In order to detect and avoid unintended changes in the cervix's cells, it is advised that women begin Pap smear testing as early as age 21.


Many women wonder if a Pap test checks for HIV, but the truth is that it can be paired with an HPV test to check for the presence of the human papillomavirus. Because the human papillomavirus is a fairly common sexually transmitted illness that has been linked to cervical cancer, this test may occasionally be used in place of a Pap screening test. 


3. Who Should Do a Pap Smear? 

You should choose the ideal time to begin a Pap smear in conjunction with your OB/GYN. After a woman reaches the age of 21, the majority of gynecologists advise beginning Pap testing, although there is no set rule. Each woman is unique, so she should be aware of and take good care of her reproductive health.


Be it Pap smear, postpartum care, water birth services, or midwives services, we at Circle City Midwifery & Women's Health Services, Inc. can assist.


4. How Often Should a Pap Smear Be Done?

Your gynecologist will decide how often you should get a Pap smear, although once you turn 21 it's typically advised to get one every three years. Only if it's paired with an HPV test should women over thirty consider getting a Pap smear every five years.


Regardless of your age, your doctor may advise having a Pap smear more often if they find risk factors or a Pap smear inflammation. Following are some of the factors:

  • An abnormal Pap smear test that reveals precancerous cells or a cervical cancer diagnosis
  • An HIV infection
  • Exposure to DES before birth
  • Being an active smoker
  • Having a weakened immune system as a result of chemo, organ transplants, or extended corticosteroid use

Ensure that you tell your doctor everything that might be important for your Pap smear. This will enable them to correctly diagnose you and give you the care and treatment you need. 


5. What to Expect During a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear is often performed in a gynecologist's office and takes only a few minutes. Your doctor will instruct you to undress to the waist and place your legs in stirrups as you lay on the examination table. The gynecologist will place a speculum into your vagina to hold its walls apart while they collect a sample of cells from your cervix when you are relaxed. They will accomplish this with a spatula and a gentle brush.


Although a Pap smear is not painful, the speculum may produce some minor discomfort and pressure in your pelvic region. As soon as the doctor gets it out, this will go. 


Asking your doctor whether a Pap smear can detect HIV is important if you suspect you might have it.


To know more about Pap smear procedures, you can get in touch with Circle City Midwifery & Women's Health Services, Inc.

collect
0
avatar
Circle City Midwifery & Women's Health Services, Inc.
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more