Pap Smear Specialist

Who should have a Pap smear?

A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer and usually takes place during a patient’s general pelvic examination. In general, women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have a Pap smear every three years, although your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule for you depending on your risk factors and the results of previous Pap smears. In some cases, such as after a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, your doctor may choose to discontinue Pap smear screening entirely.

What happens during a Pap smear?

The Pap smear is a simple procedure performed in the office; you will be able to return to your regular activities right after your appointment. The doctor inserts an instrument (speculum) into the vagina and gently removes a few cells from your cervix using a special brush or spatula-type device. The cells are preserved and sent to a lab for testing and interpretation. You should not have sexual intercourse the night before your Pap smear and you should avoid scheduling the test during your menstrual period.

What if my Pap smear is abnormal?

A positive, or abnormal, Pap smear doesn't necessarily mean you are at risk for cervical cancer. In some cases, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic testing to rule out or confirm the presence of worrisome viruses, cells, or lesions. Sometimes, if the changes are low grade in nature, your doctor may recommend more frequent Pap smears to monitor the progression of any abnormal tissue. Depending on the type of changes in your cervix, your doctor may perform a procedure known as a colposcopy to visually examine the tissues of the cervix, vulva, and vagina using a colposcope, which is a magnifying instrument. You may also need a biopsy, or tissue sample, to correctly diagnose your condition.